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The Predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris is used to control thrips in ornamentals and vegetables, and strawberri mites (Phytonemus pallidus) in strawberries |
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Amblyseius cucumeris Amblyseius cucumeris is one of the most used beneficials in greenhouses today, and has been used extensively since 1990. The adult predatory mite is about 0,3 mm. In length, and yellow-clear of appearance. Each mite is capable to eat 2-3 thripslarvae per day, but will not predate on adult thrips and larvae in latest stages. The lifecycle is: eggs, larvae, protonymph, deutonymph, and adult mite. Proto- and deutonymphs also predates on thrips, while the larvae not predate. The development from egg till adult is 7 days at 25 degrees Celsius. Adult females lay in average 2 eggs per day, which they can do up to 30 days if plenty of food is available. Besides eating thrips, Amblyseius cucumeris also predates on all stages of spider mites. This means that A.cucumeris can be used together with Phytoseiulus persimilis to control spider mites. |
How to use
A. cucumeris is mainly used preventive against thrips, typical used as 100 pcs. /m2 every 2 weeks. When thrips is detected in the culture, it is recommended to release minimum 100-250 pcs. /m2 every week. Introduce Orius spp. As well to predate on the adult thrips if these occur in the culture. This will always give the best control situation. A. cucumeris is available in sachets (slow-release-bags) and bran. The recommended release is 1 bag/2-3 m2 ornamental table area. In cucumber it is recommended to use the slow-release-sachets on every 3. plant. The bags will release predatory mites up to 8 weeks. Normally two releases of bags are recommended per cucumber planting. The bags have to be opened after received at the grower. It is recommended to use a spike to make a 2-3 mm. Hole in the bags. Both formulations of pure A. cucumeris can be stored at 10-15 degrees Celsius . The combi/mix bags should be stored at 8-10 degrees Celsius.
The product
Amblyseius is available in:
- Bran or Vermiculite with 10.000, 25.000, 50.000, 250.000 or 500.000 predatory mites
- Slow-release-bags with 1000 Amblyseius cucumeris, which will breed in the bag and be released into the culture up to 8 weeks, depending on the humidity and temperature. These bags are recommended when bran is not wanted in the culture, or where several applications with bran are not possible.
- The slow-release-bags are available in cardboardboxes with 100, 250 or 500 bags. Bags are with holes and weekly print as a standard.
- 3. Combi or mixbags, with a mix of A. cucumeris and Phytoseiulus persimilis.
- Ornamentals: 100 bags slow-release are recommended for 200-300 m2.
- Cucumber: 100 bags slow-release are recommended for 200 m2 = 1 per every 3 plants (1.5 plant/m2)