Biological control of mites is important also because the pesticides used to control mites will also damage if not kill populations of natural predators such as Orius spp., Iphiseius degenerans and Neoseiulus cucumeris. In order to control mites biologically, growers are advised to: scrupulously and regularly search for infestations; find reliable assistance either from a local research Institute or via Internet. Some Internet sites allow a grower to E-mail a question that is then automatically sent to everyone on the list, provoking replies from other growers, companies, consultants and academics. Identify the mite species that are giving you the biggest problem. Catalogue all the insect pests that you have to routinely control with pesticides and work out the most suitable IPM (integrated pest management) system which is the least disruptive to the biological control methods in use. Use indicator plants that are particularly attractive to mites as ‘advanced warning’. Some of these plants (prior to mite infection) should be placed in amongst the crop to monitor the success of biolgical control program. Of more than 1,000 species of predatory mite, only about 15 are currently being used commercially. Lance Osborne. "GrowerTalks" www.growertalks.com