Thrips Biocontrols - For Western flower thrips and onion thrips in nurseries and greenhouses, first apply Hypoaspis and Cucumeris in loose bran to seedlings. Hypoaspis attacks immature stages in soil, Cucumeris attack thrips only on the leaves. In wetter media (rock wool), Hb nematodes attack pupating thrips better than Hypoaspis. Apply more Cucumeris when plants are set out. Work towards a 1:1 ratio of Cucumeris and thrips. In crops with a low tolerance

for thrips damage—cucumbers and peppers—one round of slow-release hangable sachets of Cucumeris protect flowers and fruit for six to eight weeks. Orius works on thrips in the flowers, but use only when thrips are present and under control and when day length exceeds 16 hours (after March). Neither the predatory mites nor Orius are used for larger Greenhouse and Citrus Thrips, where lacewing larvae eat all sizes of thrips

(=Neoseiulus cucumeris)predatory mite,thrips predatorin bran carrierspecify fast release for quicker control, or slow release for prevention

no diapause

onion thrips, (lesser extentcyclamen, broad mites)66-80° F, 65-72% RH survives on pollenstart when thrips population lowplace fast release at base of plant, hang slow release touching plant

1-30/ft2

1 X wk, 3-6 X

fast release

slow release

bulk fast release,

liter botl.

1-4 X/moreplace 2 mo

hang on plant

AC260-S

260K mites/cs

predatory mitelives in top layer of soil

no diapause continue to feed, reproduce >54º F (12º C)

for house plants, GH,mushroom production,

mites on tarantula, lizard, bees(?), uses pollen

1 l/1K ft2

2 X/mo,

2-5 X

Plant-Feeding Mite Biocontrols – The best predatory mites for aggressiveness against two-spotted spider mite (TSSM) are Persimilis and Fallacis as long as conditions are not too hot or dry. Fallacis also eats other mites. The other predatory mites or mixtures that are available are better suited for warmer, dryer or less dense pest conditions as indicated in Target Pest column below. Making early, proactive releases to achieve a predator to prey ratio of 1:10

ensures control in a reasonable time. Insect agents also used against mites are Stethorus, Feltiella, six-spotted thrips and green lacewing. Coleomegilla, Harmonia and Hippodamia also eat mites and mite eggs. Using more than one predator adds diversity and stability to your biocontrol program. See more about these insects for mite biocontrol on the bottom of page 15. See page 18 for checking quality and holding overnight.

available carriers are:- corn grit- vermiculite

Avoid releases in temperatures below 45° F. or above 85° F and during dry windy conditions.

no diapause, inactive < 54º F (12º C)

high reproductive rate enables it to overcome its slower reproducing host in a relatively short time

(TSSM), Tetranychidaeprefers mild temp (50-80° F), high humidity (60% RH+), ideal 70°-85° F. (20-30° C.) at 70% RHhigher humidity, misting, favors predator over pestaggressive and economical predator for mite clean up,does best on dense, low growing plantsnot in hot greenhouses

not in dry interior valleys

1-14/10 ft2

20K40K/acre

1 X wk

1/10 mites

Amblyseius fallacis

(=Neoseiulus fallacis)

field mite predator, diapause light<16 hours, temp<54F (12C) supplemental light helps

3/10 ft2

1 wk I, 3wk

1/ft2 GH

1/plant GH

PMF1

handling charges apply

(=Neoseiulus fallacis)on bean leavesfield mite predator

all life stages along with a food source

overwinters in cold

1 X wk, 3 wk

1/ft2 GH

1/plant GH

PREDATORY MITES IN THIS SECTION ARE SHIPPED

MONDAY TO WEDNESDAY

(=Amblyseius californicus)

californicus

warm (50° - 105°F) humid (40% - 80% RH) conditions, also tolerates low humidity

good for lower spider mite densities, survives on pollen, on strawberry, corn, grapes, roses, vegetables, ornamentals, interiorscapes

4/plant

10K/acre

Neoseiulus californicus

(=Amblyseius californicus)

californicus on bean leaves with all life stages along with a food source, spidermites

(=Metaseiulus occidentalis)western predatory mite

diapause cold temperature

does not do well in cool coastal areas, use in GH only if plants maintained about 30% RH

2/sq ft.

1/5 mites

PMO1

handling charges apply

(=Phytoseiulus longipes)

longipes

3/ft2 GH

Galendromus occidentalis with Mesoseiulus longipes, etc tolerates dry conditions

(<30% RH)

PMOL1

PMOC1

PMOP1

handling charges apply

N.californicus-M.longipes-PMCL1

N.californicus-A.fallacis-PMCF1

N.californicus-P.persimilis-PMCP1

A.fallacis-P.persimilis-PMFP1

M.longipes-P.persimilis-PMLP1

PMCL1

PMCF1

PMCP1

PMFP1

PMLP1

handling charges apply

Spider Mite Predator predatory midge,

* includes Ovi-Stim food, oviposition stimulant

good for tomato, in greenhouse, strawberries, row crops

1 wk I,

3 X

Minute Pirate Bug

predatory bug

thrips & other soft- bodied insects

1-2/

40 ft2

14/plant

Spider Mite Destroyer,

predatory beetle

no diapause, active >54º F (12º C)

esp. cucumber, pepper (not on tomato)

low level preventive