KAUSHALA, E.A.N.2021-04-192021-04-192012UWU/EAG/08/0040http://www.erepo.lib.uwu.ac.lk/bitstream/handle/123456789/6455/UWULD%20EAG%2008%200040-10052019110710.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=yThe coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) is a serious pest in coconut cultivation in Sri Lanka. Release of laboratory-reared Neoseiulus baraki mites at 5000 per palm in 3-4 month intervals to a quarter of the plantation is the interim recommendation to control the pest mite. Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acari: Acaridae) has been used to mass produce N. baraki, and another Tyrophagus species has been occasionally observed in those cultures. The current study evaluated T putrescentiae and the new Tyrophagus species to determine their suitability for mass production of N baraki. Both Tyrophagous spp. showed equal effect on the fecundity, durations of life stages, longevity and the sex ratio of N baraki. Therefore, this study shows the possibility of using both T putrescentiae and the new Tyrophagus sp. to enhance the mass production of N baraki, for the proper execution of the interim recommendation by Coconut Research Institute to control the coconut mite. Key words: Aceria guerreronis, Neoseiulus baraki, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, biological control, mass productionenExport Agriculture Degree Programme (EAG)Thesis