Suitability and attraction of cassava genotypes to the predatory mite Typhlodromalus aripo

Cassava genotypes vary considerably in their suitability and attraction to the phytoseiid mite Typhlodromalus aripo, the principal predator of cassava green mite in Africa. The predator inhabits branch apices during the day and forages on cassava leaves during the night. In cassava fields, the predator is found in higher abundance on cassava genotypes with hairy apices compared with glabrous genotypes. Hairy genotypes are also more attractive to the predator, and apex hairiness is a heritable trait. Taken together, these relationships provide an opportunity to use cassava as a model system for modifying a host plant to conserve biological control of its herbivore.