Which is a biological control for Pacific Spider Mites and Rust Mites?

The correct answer identifies six spotted thrips as a biological control agent for Pacific Spider Mites and Rust Mites. Six spotted thrips are natural predators that feed on various pest species, including mite populations. By consuming these pests, they help to reduce their numbers and mitigate potential damage to crops and plants.

In integrated pest management, utilizing beneficial organisms like six spotted thrips is vital because it can lower reliance on chemical pesticides, promoting a more sustainable approach to pest control. These thrips are known for their effectiveness in environments where spider mite populations can rapidly escalate.

Other options do not serve as effective biological controls in this context. While wasps can be beneficial in controlling certain pests, they are not specifically targeted at mites like the six spotted thrips. Spiders, though they may prey on various small insects, are not as efficient in controlling mite populations. The glassy sharpshooter, a pest itself, typically feeds on plant sap and does not exhibit predation behavior on spider mites or rust mites. Therefore, the unique predatory characteristics of six spotted thrips make them the best choice for biological control against these specific mite species.