Evaluation of the impact of two citrus plants on the variation of Panonychus citri (Acari: Tetranychidae) and beneficial phytoseiid mites

The abundance of McGregor 1916 (Acari: Tetranychidae) and its associated enemies ( Athias-Henriot, 1960; sp.; Athias-Henriot, 1957) was studied on two 12-year-old citrus cultivars, specifically Clementine “Nules” ( ) and Valencia ( ), in the Gharb region of Morocco. Throughout the entire monitoring period in the Valencia late cultivar, the density of the spider mite on leaves was notably higher at 38.0% ( = 1,212 mobile forms). Predator exhibited a leaf occupancy of 25.0% ( = 812), followed by sp. at 20.0% ( = 643). Conversely, the abundance of was lower at 17.0% ( = 538). In the Nules variety, abundance recorded a higher percentage at 48.0% ( = 1,922). emerged as the most abundant predator at 23.0% ( = 898), followed by with 16.0% ( = 639). Meanwhile, the population of sp. remained notably low at 13.0% ( = 498). Regarding the fluctuation of the different mites studied on the two cultivars across monitoring dates, the period from May 4 to June 1 was characterized by low temperatures and a diminished presence of mite populations ( sp., and ). However, from June 7 to June 19, characterized by high temperatures, a notable increase in the presence of mite populations was observed. As regards the effect of the variety on the different mites studied, the varietal impact was significant.