Culture and mass production of exotic phytoseiid predators is one component of a classical biological control programme directed toward the cassava green mite (CGM), Mononychellus tanajoa, in Africa. Five species of phytoseiid predators are currently maintained at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Euseius concordis, Galendromus annectens, Neoseiulus anonymus, N. idaeus and Typhlodromalus limonicus. CGM from cassava and two-spotted spider mites, Tetranychus urticae, reared on mucuna, peanut and cowpea plants, are harvested as phytoseiid food using a mite brushing machine or a water based mite separator unit. Stock maintenance cultures are initiated at regular intervals, have a definite productive period and are used as a source for mass-rearing phytoseiids for release in Africa. Mass-rearing techniques utilizing artificial substrates, detached leaves and entire plants, in the insectary and field, are being developed.
