Biological Solutions

Trichogramma brassicae, minutum and platneri mixed all on one card- Trichogramma are among the smallest insects, having a wingspread of about 1/50th of an inch. Despite its size, this parasitic wasp is an efficient destroyer of the eggs of more than 200 species of moths and butterflies which are leaf eaters in the larval stage.

Galendromus occidentalis is a very versatile mite predator and tolerates high temperatures and high humidity (60-85%) well, both indoors and out. Use G. occidentalis to control spider mites, two spotted mites, Russet mites, and others on gardens, greenhouses, and orchards of all types. Adults eat 1-3 pest adults or up to 6 pest eggs/day. Release rates indoors, 2-3/sq. ft. bi-weekly, 1-2 applications; outdoors, 5,000-20,000/acre, bi-weekly, 1-2 applications.

Mesoseiulus longipes is similar to P. persimilis but can tolerate lower humidity (40% at 70 degrees F). M. longipes are effective in temperatures up to 100 degrees F, although a comparable increase in humidity is required. Apply these predators in warm greenhouses and interiorscapes with artificial lighting. The lifespan of the adults, the form in which they are shipped, is 34 days. Release rates indoors, 3/sq. ft. bi-weekly, 1-2 times; outdoors, 5,000-20,000/acre, bi-weekly, 1-2 times.

Neoseiulus Amblyseius fallacis, the All-Purpose predatory mite, is used for the prevention, control, and management of various spider mites. These mites are voracious predators of several pestiferous spider mite species. N. fallacis can prevent and control a number pest mites in a multitude of conditions. Some of the species they can impact include: the two-spotted mite, carmine red mite, European red mite, citrus red mite, southern red mite, six-spotted mite, privet mite, cyclamen mites, broad mites.

Nolo Bait grasshopper bait is an EPA registered biological control for grasshoppers, and Mormon crickets. This single-celled microsporidium protozoan in a wheat bran formulation infects and naturally controls over 90 species of grasshoppers, locusts, and mormon crickets. Nosema should be broadcast in affected and outlying areas; apply early in the season as the hoppers emerge, which is when Nosema is most effective. It is registerd in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wyoming.

Red wiggler worm! By far, these guys are the best gardeners on the planet, and will only help your lawn and garden. Red wiggler worms are nature's ultimate composting worm and a great pick for worm farms. Red worms go by many names. They're often called red wigglers, tiger worms, manure worms, composting worms, and the trout worms. Whatever you call them they're among the best composting worms available. Unlike common earthworms that borrow deep into the soil red worms thrive in the first several inches of topsoil directly beneath decomposing vegetative organic matter. It really doesn't matter what the matter is red worms love it. Decaying leaves, grasses, wood, and animal manure are all favorites of red worms.

Neoseiulus fallacis can prevent and control a number pest mites in a multitude of conditions. Some of the species they can impact include: the two-spotted mite (Tetranychus urticae); the carmine red mite (T. cinnabarinus); a two-spotted mite relative (T. evansi); the European red mite (Panonychus ulmi); the citrus red mite (P. citri); the southern red mite (Oligonychus ilicis); the six-spotted mite (Eotetranychus sexmaculatus); the Pacific mite (T. pacificus). Moreover, these predators may offer some control of the privet mite (B. obovatus), cyclamen mites (Phtyodromus pallidus), broad mites (Polyphagotarsenomus latus) and tomato russet mites (Aculops lycopersici), and other species.

HOST PEST: Two spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urtichae), Pacific Mites (Tetranychus pacificus), European red mites (Panonychus ulmi), Bank's grass mite.

HOST PLANT: Fruit trees, strawberries, corn, hops, mint, other field crops

LIFE STAGES: Egg, Larvae, Protonymph, Deutonymph, and Adult

ENVIRONMENT: Does best in moderate to cooler humid conditions, but will also tolerate warmer temperatures

PESTICIDES: Susceptible to pesticides. Pyrethroids are highly toxic. Field tolerance will vary with spray timing, application methods, weather and crop. Avoid spraying crop one week before or after releasing predators. Some materials may be toxic to predators for up to four weeks.

STORAGE: Highly perishable, should be used immediately upon delivery. If storage is absolutely necessary, refrigerate at 50° F. (6°-10° C). Not to exceed 2 days, to minimize mortality.

AUGMENTATION: Release rates are being developed. Release at least one per plant or one per square foot in greenhouses at the first sign of spider-mites. Later releases will require much higher numbers to be effective.

NOTES: This predatory mite disperses quickly. Neoseiulus fallacis is known to control European Red Mite below economic thresholds in fruit tree orchards. it is also being successfully used in mint fields.