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Entry Date
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Nick Name
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Location
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Wednesday, August 04, 2021
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Matt D.
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Connecticut
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Entry 69 of 90 |
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Predatory Mite Release Night
After a six-day span form ordering to arrival it is time to release the army of beneficials. The reason why the image is taken at night is this is when these mite predators are most active so get out the head-lamp.
It is important to realize the actual beneficials are very, very small so what is being spread is fine sawdust like filler material. This does require some patience to carefully sprinkle this material on as many leaves as possible in a thin but even coverage over the entire plant. Also, you want to leave the “empty” containers in the growing area for at least 24-hours. Even though the containers may look empty there can still be beneficials inside (this is just how small these are) so leaving the container sin the grow space allows for them to escape and still be in the area intended.
Looking at all the options available and consulting with the beneficial insect people, the decision was made to purchase two different species of beneficials that would be the “best” for two-spotted spider mites grown in a high tunnel (about 1200sq.ft.) with high plant density during the hot month of August.
Phytoseiulus persimilis- (6000 purchased) A great mite predator for spider mites in humid greenhouses and for dense field crops.
Neoseiulus (= Amblyseius) californicus- (5000 purchased) This mite predator survives low spider mite densities by feeding on pollen and other small arthropods. Survives a wide range of temperatures and can tolerate lower humidity (40%RH).
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