Published online by Cambridge University Press: 31 May 2012
The brown mite, Bryobia arborea M. and A., is a widely distributed phytophagous pest of apple trees in Nova Scotia. Many predators have been observed feeding on this pest, particularly the predacious mites of the sub-family Phytoseiinae. It is difficult to assess the influence of these predators on brown mite in the field because fungicides, which are necessary in the commercial production of apples in Nova Scotia, often disrupt the relationships. Furthermore, other species of predators and prey usually found in apple orchards obscure the influence of phytoseiids on brown mite.