Biological control of strawberry tarsonemid mite Phytonemus pallidus and two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae on strawberry in the UK using species of Neoseiulus (Amblyseius) (Acari: Phytoseiidae).
Two species of Neoseiulus, N. californicus and N. cucumeris, showed potential for biocontrol of phytophagous mites on strawberry. N. californicus controlled Tetranychus urticae on potted strawberry plants in a gauze-sided glasshouse at temperatures comparable to early summer in the UK (8-20 degrees C). Both species of phytoseiid reduced numbers of the tarsonemid Phytonemus pallidus on potted strawberry plants under glasshouse conditions (15-23 degrees C). In several experiments reductions in the range of 71-81% in numbers of tarsonemid active stages and eggs, compared to non-release plants, were obtained. The importance of establishing a suitable predator: prey ratio at an early stage was demonstrated in an experiment where an initial ratio of 1 N. cucumeris: 10 P. pallidus gave a greater degree of control than 1:20 or 1:40.
Easterbrook
M A
MA
Horticulture Research International, West Malling, Kent, UK.
Fitzgerald
J D
JD
Solomon
M G
MG
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D008925:Mites; D010058:Oviposition; D010572:Pest Control, Biological / Q000379:methods*; D011235:Predatory Behavior; D013983:Tick Control / Q000379:methods*; D006113:United Kingdom