The control of eriophyoid mites: state of the art and future challenges

The superfamily of the Eriophyoidea is a large and diverse group of mites, including a number of species of economic importance, mainly on perennial plants in agriculture and forestry. This review focuses on the economic importance and pest status of this group of mites, with emphasis on some genera. The available acaricide portfolio is reviewed and the influence of EU legislation policy on the sustainable control of Eriophyoidea is investigated. Possible generic guidelines for sustainable control and resistance management with special reference to the European situation are discussed. Recent advances in biological and integrated control of eriophyid mite pests and the implementation of these techniques in crops are explored. Furthermore, the relevance of studies on behaviour, epidemiology and diagnostics in general terms and as a strategic necessity is pointed out.