Integrated pest management programs are very important in the control
of invertebrate pests within apple orchards. Many current integrated
pest management strategies concentrate on specialist predatory species.
However, generalist beneficial insects, such as several mite species,
must also be fully researched for their potential in controlling pests.
Previous research has shown that the generalist predatory mite Anystis
baccarum (Linnaeus) can offer much potential in controlling
invertebrate pests within Northern Irish apple orchards. However, apple
growers have been mis-identifying this beneficial species as the
economic pest European fruit tree red spider mite, Panonychus ulmi
(Koch). As a result, unnecessary pesticide applications have been
applied against what has now been confirmed as a beneficial species. To
aid apple growers in the identification of A. baccarum, identification
cards were produced. Positive uptake of the cards by many apple growers
has resulted in correct identification of A. baccarum from P. ulmi, and
therefore, a reduction in chemical pesticide applications. The benefits
of A. baccarum within orchard ecosystems is discussed