Hypoaspis Miles

Hypoaspis miles (Stratiolaelaps scimitus) feed upon small, soil inhabiting insects, mites, and all stages of springtails.

Stratiolaelaps scimitushas has been the cornerstone of the industry for over 25 years, where it has been known as Hypoaspis miles. It is an accomplished generalist soil predatory mite, capable of controlling Fungus Gnat larvae, thrips pupae, pathogenic nematodes, Spring Tails, Strawberry Root Weevil, and Cactus Root Weevil to name a few. It is currently being evaluated for its ability to control the Black Vine Root Weevil.

Is primary a predator of fungus gnat larvae in the soil, but it also consumes thrips pupae on the floor and soil surface of the greenhouse. It is a scavenger and can feed on soil debris in the asence of thrips pupae and fungus gnat larvae. They are a native soil mite and can adapt to a variety of different growth media and capillary mats. They are less than 1 mm (1/20 inch) in size, light brown in color, and can be seen moving quickly on the soil surface and base of plants. Hypoaspis are used primarily for control of fungus gnats, but they also help with western flower thrips control.

Populations of Hypoaspis include both sexes, but the males are much smaller and rarely seen. Under a hand lens most stages of this mite look similar. Hypoaspis inhabit the top few centimeters (inch) of soil only. Eggs hatch in about 2-3 days, and the life cycle is completed in about 11 days. These predatory mites feeds upon the young larvae of fungus gnats in the soil, and are most effective when applied to soil before fungus gnat populations are establised. Hypoaspis consume 1-5 prey per day and can survive as a scavenger by feeding on algae and plant degris. Hypoaspis tolerate a variety of conditions except flooding. They can survive mild winters but are inactive below 57 degrees F.

Hypoaspis are for preventative control only, before fungus gnat populations are high. They are supplied in a peat mixture in one liter containters and should be aplied as soon as they are recieved, but can be held at room temperature for limited periods if absolutely necessary. Introduce 1-2 litres per acre for greenhouse vegetables and 1 liter per 1000 square feet for bedding plants.

Fungus Gnat and Thrips Control - Hypoaspis miles (Stratiolaelaps scimitus)

Product ID: HP10

Stratiolaelaps scimitus (formerly Hypoaspis miles) is a soil-dwelling mite capable of the prevention, control, and management of sciarid flies, shore flies, root aphids and various thrips and soil pests.
Price:
$48.65

Introduction

  • Turn and shake the bottle or bag gently before use
  • Spread material evenly on soil or rockwool blocks
  • Do not apply in pothole close to stem to prevent plant damage by storage mites

Environmental conditions

Soil must be moist but not too wet, preferably rich in organic matter, with an open structure and minimum temperature of 15°C/59°F.

Storage and handling

  • Storage after receipt: 1-2 days
  • Storage temperature: 10-15°C/50-59°F
  • In the dark (bottle horizontally) Remarks
  • These predatory mites do not enter diapause
  • Always apply Hypoaspis to the soil surface, not on the plant.
  • Appearance Adults: size to 1 mm, brown

Larvae/first nymphal stage: white Mode of action Adults and nymphs feed on larvae of sciarid flies and other soil living insects. Visual effect The mites can be observed in and on the soil and at the base of plant stems. Hypoaspis aculeifer seldom occurs on the plants. Slow but steady reduction of the infestation level of sciarids/bulb mites will take place.

Target Pest:

For control of fungus gnats (Bradysia spp.) and for supplemental control of western flower thrips (Frankinella occidentalis). Description: Hypoaspis is a native species of soil-dwelling mites which feed on small insects and mites. Adults are tan in color and less than 1 mm long. Hypoaspis are used primarily to control young larvae of fungus gnats in the soil or planting media. They also help control soil stages of thrips and may account for up to 30% of thrips control. Hypoaspis does not control shore flies of moth flies, but will feed on other soil organisms such as springtails and root mealy bugs. They have been used successfully in bedding and potted plant production, seedling and cutting propagation and poinsettia stock. Hypoaspis adapts well to the various growth media and capillary mats used in plant production, but do not survive freezing of flooding conditions.

Product information:

Hypoaspis is supplied in a pasteurized peat/bran mixture in 1 liter (1 qt) containers with a shaker lid for distributing the mixture over the soil. There are 10,000 Hypoaspis miles per bottle. The mixture may also contain another species of mite as a food source for the predators. To check the product for live mites, inspect under 10-15X magnification. The predators are tan and move quickly compared to the food source mites, which are white or translucent and move slowly. The predators should be applied as soon as received. Do not refrigerate. If necessary, containers can be held, stored on their side out of direct sunlight, at 16-21°C (60-70°F) for up to 7 days.

Release Rates:

Hypoaspis is most effective when appied before fungus gnat population becomes established or while numbers are still low (below 10/trap/week). One application of Hypoaspis per crop cycle is usually sufficient, if used early in the season. Soil Culture: Apply 1 L/100 sq. m (1000 sq. ft.) to the soil at the time of planting. Be sure to treat wet, exposed area of soil, where fungus gnats are likely to breed. Sawdust bag or Rockwool culture: Apply 8-16 L/hectare (3-6 L/acre) to at least one plant in every bag or rockwool slab. Vegetable transplants may be treated 1 week before planting out. Pot Culture: Apply 1L/200 sq. m (2000 sq. ft.) of bench area. Treat the floor of the greenhouse if it provides conditions for fungus gnats to breed and occasionally treat the perimeter of the greenhouse. It is not necessary to apply mites to every flat of bedding plants if applications are done early, at full rate, to allow them time to spread to all flats. Mites can also be applied to propagation media before striking cuttings.