Page 17 - Griffin Gazette Issue 2 - 2018

you receive from a well-designed scouting susceptible to mites. Before the crop Amblyseius andersoni (Anderline) this
program is crucial to the outcome of your arrives is the time to do your homework. predator mite has a wider temperature
pest control programs. Early detection Work with your BCA advisor to have a range that most BCAs. They are active and
of mites is crucial given how rapidly they plan in place from the beginning of the effective from 43-100°F. It will also feed on
reproduce. Biological control agents crop. Ordering BCAs in advance gives pollen and thrips larvae to survive when
(BCAs), are best suited to prevention your supplier the best chance of having mite populations are low. Because of the
and early intervention rather than trying the product delivered when you need and low temperature tolerance they can be
to come from behind. Unlike miticides expect it. This also gives you a chance to established in the crop much earlier in the
that we can store on site for quick use, consult with your plant suppliers to find out season than other predators to help keep
there is some delay between placing an which pesticides they use in production so spider mites from getting established in
order for BCAs and deploying them into residual side effects can be anticipated. the crop in the first place. Andersoni are
the crop. Don’t give the mites any more GGSPro is able to assist you with all available in bulk for distribution or mini-
of a head start by inadequate scouting. aspects of planning a BCA program. sachets. The mini-sachets are breeding
Scouting includes searching for the spider stations that produce large numbers of
mites and their predators. This will require Spider mite predators Understanding mites for 4 to 6 weeks. Check with GGSPro
becoming familiar with the appearance of the strengths and weaknesses of the for proper placement of the mini-sachets
the various predators as seen through a various predators available will help you to ensure maximum effectiveness.
create a plan with those BCAs best suited
hand lens or other magnification devices.
Entomologists tell us that spider mites for your crops and production conditions. Amblyseius californicus (Californiline)
are likely to first be found in areas where Below is a quick look at some of the allies has a well-deserved reputation for staying
there is good air movement and therefore in your corner as you face off with your active at higher temperature and lower
the lower humidity that they prefer. Scout spider mite competitors: humidity than other predator mites.
Many parts of the country this makes
more intensively along walkways, adjacent Phytoseiulus persimilis (Phytoline,
to intake louvers and similar locations PERSIMILISforce) predator mite that californicus an important part of the spider
along with your random scouting. Some aggressively tracks down and consumes mite control program. They can feed on
growers have found it useful to produce all life stages of spider mites. They do pollen and some other pests to sustain
a single bush bean plant in a 6 inch pot not have any alternate hosts, so the ideal themselves during times of low mite
pressure. Californicus are available in bulk
to serve as an early warning plant. Spider release time is at the first sign of spider
mites are uniquely attracted to bush beans mite activity. They can be used under for distribution or mini-sachets.
and the flat leaves show feeding damage cover or outdoors when night temps are Other Amblyseius species of mites
easily to aid in early detection. Scatter a 65° or higher. Persimilis have been used including cucumeris and swirskii also
few throughout the greenhouse especially successfully on a wide variety of crops. contribute to spider mite control, even
in areas of high air movement. Griffin has domestic sources for rapid, though thrips are their primary target. This
cost-efficient delivery. They are shipped is especially true when they're being
Miticide transition Some of the
pesticides commonly used in greenhouses in a bottle or vial for tapping out onto the used at high rates either through bulk
have negative impacts on BCAs for weeks lower leaves of affected plants. applications or mini-sachets. Feltiella
acarisuga is a predatory midge that is
or even months. A transition from a miticide
based control system to one emphasizing sometimes used as part of a spider mite
BCAs starts with a review of all pesticides control program as well. Be encouraged,
applied over the past 8 weeks. It may there are several natural enemies of
be necessary to begin the transition spider mites! The next step for those new
to BCAs, or for those who have a few
by employing miticides with shorter
residuals while more persistent residues seasons under their belt but could use
are breaking down. Don’t view this as a some further guidance, now is a great
setback, it is just a part of preparing for time to contact your BCA expert to set you
success. GGSPro maintains an extensive on the right path. GGSPro is available to
assist you.
database of pesticide compatibility
with BCAs that can help you to make
informed decisions.
Planning to succeed Attempting to
begin a BCA program in the middle of the
crop when mite pressure is already high
is setting your crop up for a rough ride.
Your years of experience have helped you Persimillis feeding on a spider mite.
to understand which crops are highly Photo credit: Bioline AgroSciences

Griffin Gazette 2018 | 17