🐝 Predatory mites
Beneficial mites that eat harmful ones.
Predatory mites are tiny helpful mites that feed on other mites. They measure about half a millimetre and are almost invisible to the naked eye. Most are mites of the family Phytoseiidae.
In vineyards they hunt pests, above all grape mites and spider mites. The pests suck leaf sap, which causes spots and deformed leaves and can lower the crop. Predatory mites reduce their numbers on their own, without spraying.
To keep more predatory mites, growers use strong chemicals less often, since these also kill beneficial insects. Grass between the rows, hedges and a variety of plants help. Some farms even breed predatory mites and release them onto the vines.
This is an example of biological pest control. Predatory mites are linked to vine pests and to a sustainable way of managing a vineyard, relying on natural processes.
How it connects to Wine
🐝 Predatory mites → kind of → 🦠 Grapevine pests → kind of → 🌿 Viticulture → kind of → 🍷 Wine
Links
- Previous step
- 🦠 Grape mite
- Part of
- 🦠 Grapevine pests
Frequently asked questions
What are predatory mites in a vineyard?
Small helpful mites that eat harmful mites such as grape mites and spider mites.
Do predatory mites harm grapevines?
No. They feed only on other mites and help protect the leaves.
How can you attract predatory mites?
Use fewer strong chemicals, keep grass between the rows and preserve plant variety.
Similar
Sources
- Wikipedia (en): Phytoseiidae
- Wikipedia (de): Phytoseiidae
- Wikipedia (fr): Phytoseiidae
- Wikidata Q136828