Spider mite [Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae)] population development in vegetable crops in Diyarbakır and Mardin Provinces, Turkey

This study was carried out in vegetable (tomato, pepper and eggplant) production areas in Diyarbakir and Mardin, southeast Anatolia Region of Turkey. The study of population development was carried out in two locations in Bismil and Ergani (Diyarbakir) where no pesticides were applied. In 2013 and 2014, leaf samples were collected at regular 15-day intervals during the vegetation period (June-October). As a result of this study, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Tetranychidae) was identified as the most important pest species. Thus, basic information was obtained for control of this spider mite which is an important harmful pest in vegetable areas. Cheiroseius necorniger (Ascidae), Tydeus (Tydeidae), Phytoseiulus finitimus (Phytoseidae) and Erythraedae (Acari) were identified as beneficial mites. Data obtained from this study will create a baseline for future studies in this field, and at the same time, these results are important for knowing which species are harmful, determining when mite population densities are high, and when control measures should be taken.