Identification of spider mites of the genus Tetranychus is strenuous due to their minute size and the restricted number of diagnostic characters. Most species of the Iranian Tetranychus spider mites are morphologically alike, distinguishable only based on male aedeagus; however, most of the intercepted Tetranychus specimens are females, leaving their identification at the genus level. Tetranychus urticae is a highly polyphytophagous pest species commonly found in greenhouses of Iran. As the unambiguous identification of a pest is the first crucial step toward implementing any effective pest management procedure, various DNA-based methods have formerly been used as complement to the traditional morphological methods. In the current study, a technique integrating loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) with PCR (polymerase chain reaction) was utilized for quick detection of T. urticae and discriminating it from other Tetranychus species attacking greenhouse crops. The assay was validated against various developmental stages of T. urticae specimens. Not only did the PCR-LAMP assay decrease the time needed for identification, but also was species-specific and sensitive enough to be applied even by non-specialists.

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