Mansour, F., Department of Entomology, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Newe ya'Ar Research Center, P.O. Box 1021, Ramat Yishay 30095, Israel
Abdelwali, M., National Center for Agriculture Research and Extension (NCARE), P.O. Box 639, Baqa 19381, Jordan
Haddadin, J., National Center for Agriculture Research and Extension (NCARE), P.O. Box 639, Baqa 19381, Jordan
Romiah, N., National Center for Agriculture Research and Extension (NCARE), P.O. Box 639, Baqa 19381, Jordan
Abo-Moch, F., Department of Entomology, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Newe ya'Ar Research Center, P.O. Box 1021, Ramat Yishay 30095, Israel

The effectiveness of biological control of the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) in commercial cucumber greenhouses in the arid regions of the Jordan Valley (Jordan) and Jezre'el Valley (Israel) was evaluated. For that, the carnivorous mite Phytoseiulus persimilis was released at varying levels following the "Pest-in-First" technique. Spider mite control and yields attained in release treatments were comparable to conventional chemical control and were significantly favorable to non-treated controls under the relatively mild climatic conditions of the Jordan Valley in early spring. This strategy was less suitable for the hot, dry summer conditions of the Jezreel Valley. The possibilities for implementation of the "Pest-in-First" technique for the sustainable control of T. urticae are discussed. © 2010 Science From Israel /LPPLtd.