The College of Agriculture at the University of Karbala discussed a master’s thesis dealing with predicting the appearance of the different stages of the two-spotted mite Tetranychus urticae (Koch) (Acari: Tetranychidae) in the field, by calculating thermal units (Degree-Days) in laboratory conditions).
The study aimed to investigate the seasonal occurrence of two-spotted mites in the field by calculating their numerical density and their relationship to temperature and relative humidity.
The study demonstrated the possibility of determining the thermal requirements necessary for the development of the different stages of the mite in the field, which contributes to early prediction of their appearance and monitoring them before they reach the level of economic damage.
The study recommended the need to rely on the thermal unit system program in making control decisions and avoid using pre-determined timetables.
