Plant defense responses triggered by phytoseiid predatory mites (Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae) are species-specific, depend on plant genotype and may not be related to direct plant feeding

Abstract Zoophytophagous arthropods can elicit plant defense responses affecting potential prey beyond predation. Phytophagy prevails as the main trigger for these responses, in case of Euseius stipulatus (Athias-Henriot) (Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae), a predator occurring citrus. Because other triggers cannot be excluded, our aim was to examine whether phytoseiids co-occurring with E. but not engaged feeding [ Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) and Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot] could induce similar (in terms herbivore induced volatiles, HIPVs, defensive pathways), how affected behavior conspecifics shared prey, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Prostigmata: Tetranychidae). N. triggered genotype-specific including production different HIPVs compared clean plants. However, we observe effects P. . T. avoided better protected plants, because stronger direct or indirect defense. As plants weaker levels should offer higher densities, those harboring conspecific predators represent risk cannibalism, were expected behave similarly. they did not. Our results demonstrate that by is species-specific, depend on genotype non-feeding activities. highly efficient used worldwide, further studies this species are needed. Likewise, cineol, one volatiles identified blends phytoseiid, manipulate prey. These pave way more use agroecosystems.