Abstract: The present invention discloses a biological control composition comprising a cultivated rearing population of Phytoseiulus persimilis (P. persimilis) predatory mite individuals, and optionally a carrier material, wherein at least 5% of the P. persimilis individuals comprise within their genome at least one Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) marker associated with the trait of improved rearing properties on a non-Tetranychid arthropod prey as a factious host, preferably on an immobilized non-Tetranychid arthropod prey, such as on an Astigmatid prey, most preferably on an immobilized Astigmatid prey, as compared to a P. persimilis population characterized by less than 5% individuals comprising within their genome said at least one SNP marker.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a food source for predatory mites and/or insects comprising a mixture of a carrier material and individuals of at least one mite species suitable as being a prey for the predatory mites and/or insects. The present invention further discloses methods for producing the food source and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a food source for predatory mites and/or insects comprising a mixture of a carrier material and individuals of at least one mite species suitable as being a prey for the predatory mites and/or insects. The present invention further discloses methods for producing the food source and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses predatory mite population comprising Phytoseiulus predatory individuals, wherein at least 10% of female individuals of the population is capable of reproduction on a non-tetranychid arthropod prey, preferably on an immobilized non-tetranychid arthropod prey, such as on a non-phytophagous prey, preferably on an Astigmatid prey, most preferably on an immobilized Astigmatid prey, such as an immobilized Astigmatid prey, in particular a Carpoglyhus prey, having immobilized life stages comprising immobilized eggs. Methods for rearing the same are further disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a rearing composition comprising: predatory mite population comprising at least one mite species of the genus Phytoseiulus, and a prey mite population comprising at least one species from the order Astigmata or from the family Phytoseiidae. A method for rearing the same is also disclosed.