The aim of the diploma thesis was to present the most common predatory mites of the family Phytoseiidae found so far in Slovenia, with special attention to their importance in plant protectection. Six predatory mites species, which are included in the list of native, beneficial organisms and are approved for biological pest control, are presented in detail. These species are Amblyseius andersoni, Amblyseius barkeri, Euseius gallicus, Neoseiulus californicus, Neoseiulus cucumeris and Typhlodromus pyri. In general, predatory mites are important beneficial organisms that can be used to successfully control pest populations in food production, thereby reducing the damage they cause. They can replace or reduce the amount of insecticides and acaricides used, protecting human and animal health and protecting the environment. They can be used over long period of time without fear of the pest developing resistence to them, as it is in the case with synthetic pesticides. The thesis also presents the factors that influence the occurrence of predatory mites on plants and presents some studies where predatory mites have been successful in controlling some important pests that cause damage on plants in our country.
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