Biological Solutions

The aphid midge, Aphidoletes aphidimyza, is a cecidomyiid fly whose larvae are effective predators of aphids. The predacious larvae of these delicate, 3 mm. mosquito-like midges are best used for controlling substantial populations of more than 60 species of aphids. They feed by biting aphids and paralyzing them with a toxin before sucking out the aphid body fluids. They kill 3-50 aphids per day. Aphidoletes aphidimyza are used to control aphids indoors in commercial greenhouses and interior plantscapes as well as outdoors in orchards, shade trees, roses and home gardens.

The predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus has characteristics of both type II specialist predatory mites and type III generalist predatory mites. Neoseiulus californicus prefers Tetranychid mites as food, but will also consume other mite species, small insects, such as thrips, and even pollen when the primary prey is unavailable. It’s often used to control the twospotted spider mite, and other phytophagous mites on various crops in temperate and subtropical regions around the world. Neoseiulus californicus tolerates high temperatures and low humidity. It targets all stages.

Steinernema feltiae nematodes are the product of choice when your problems concern more active, shallowly occurring pests of fungus gnat or mushroom fly larvae, root aphids, etc. These nematodes feature a shallowly-present habit like S. carpocapsae, but an intermediate active-hunting “cruising” characteristic which may make them superior to many other species for the purposes specified. In fact, due to their shallow-cruising nature, S. feltiae are said to be the best nematodes for fungus gnat larvae and root aphids They tolerate cold better than the others as well.

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.