Abstract
Side effects of oxamyl and hymexazol on five species of soil-dwelling predatory mites, Lasioseius dentatus (Fox) (Acari: Ascidae), Androlaelaps casalis (Berlese) (Acari: Laelapidae), Rhodacarus roseus (Oudemans) (Acari: Rhodacaridae), Hacrocheles muscaedomesticae (Scopoli) (Acari: Macrochelidae) and Cunaxa setirostris (Hermann) (Acari: Cunaxidae) were tested under stringent laboratory conditions. Both oxamyl and hymexazol were found to drastically kill all five predatory soil mites listed above at three different concentrations (half of the recommended dose (HRD), recommended dose (RD) and double the recommended dose (DRD). Oxamyl was found to be more toxic than hymexazol to all five predatory soil mites as it could reduce their population by > 40% at the HRD, except R. roseus, as its population was reduced to 27.80%. In addition, the application of oxamyl can decrease the population of five predatory soil mites by >83% at RD while at DRD a total mortality rate could be seen. In conclusion, this research study has provided evidence which highlights the reduction of population of five predatory soil mites even after the exposure to half of the recommended dose of oxamyl and hymexazol. Therefore, precautionary measures should be taken to maintain the sustainability and to avoid disturbing the natural balance of the ecosystem.