Population dynamics and specific composition of phytoseiid mites (Parasitiformes, Phytoseiidae) associated with lemon trees in three differently managed orchards in eastern Sicily.

Surveys of phytoseiid mites were carried out in three lemon orchards in Sicily. The three orchards had different farm management and different environmental conditions: A) traditionally farm managed; B) organic farm managed; C) in state of neglect. The aim was to determine the specific composition of the above different types of orchards and to compare their population dynamics in order to obtain information on the influence of the different agricultural practices on the phytoseiid fauna. After two years of weekly samplings it can be assessed that no substancial differences were found in the phytoseiid specific composition among the three types of orchards. On the other hand, differences, s…