Thrips

Amblyseius Cucumeris and Amblyseius swirskii is the preferred predator for thrips control.

They are tan colored mites found on the underside of leaves along the viens or inside mature flowers.These mites are most effective at preventing thrips build-up when applied early in the growing season at the first sign of thrips.

NATURAL CONTROL OF THRIPS...

The life cycle of Cucumeris begins with small white eggs that can be seen attached to leaf hairs along veins on the lower leaf surface. At 68 degrees F eggs hatch in about 3 days into nonfeeding larvae that molt to nymphs after about 2 days. The 2 nymphal stages which last 7 days, as well as the adult stage which lasts up to 30 days feed on immature stages of thrips. The adult female can lay up to 35 eggs in her lifetime. Adults can eat an average of 1 thrips per day and also feed on two-spotted mites and their eggs.

Establishment of Cucumeris requires 3-4 weeks, so they should be applied before thrip problems develop. Because cucumeris feed on immature thrip stages a decrease in adult thrip populations will not occur for about 3 weeks.

Amblyseius Swirskii-100 sachets / 250 swirskii in each sachets Slow Release Mite

Product ID: SML-Qty 100 sachets of 250 Swirskii per sachet

Amblyseius swirskii, a predatory mite that's not all that picky when it comes to its daily meal. It eats many species of small insects and mites, which is ideal when different types of pests occur simultaneously. Amblyseius swirskii is primarily known as a thrips predator that is ideal for warmer climates as it is native to the Mediterranean. It feeds not only on thrips, but also broad mites, russet mites, as well. If you want to gradually apply predatory mites, the Swirski-Mite slow-release sachets are a better choice. These bags contain the predatory mites, food, and bran for protection. The mites reproduce in the bag and move from there into the crops. The slow release will last up to 4 weeks.

$69.85

Amblyseius Swirskii- Fast Release predatory Mites 25,000 & 50,000

Product ID: SM25

Amblyseius swirskii is a very effective generalist predatory mite used to suppress immature thrips, two-spotted spider mites, cyclamen mites, broad mites, and whiteflies in ornamental, fruit and garden crops.

$64.25

Minute Pirate Bugs (Orius insidiosus)

Product ID: MP11

Orius insidiosus, a general predator also called the minute pirate bug, is an aggressive thrips predator – possibly the most effective. It attacks and kills all mobile stages of thrips, leaf hoppers, including adult thrips and leafhoppers. Orius is aggressive – it consumes 12 thrips per day but kills many more than it eats. Minute pirate bugs are generalist predators of spider mites, aphids, thrips, leafhoppers, psyllids, white flies, insect eggs, and small caterpillars. They actively search for, pierce, and feed on their prey with straw-like mouth parts. Nymphs and adults can eat 30 or more spider mites a day.

$58.85

Amblyseius Cucumeris

Product ID: ACT10

Amblyseius cucumeris, are useful for the prevention, control, and various thrips and mites species. Predatory mite for the control of thrips larvae and two-spotted spider mites, broad mites, russet mites, and cyclamen mites. A. cucumeris are tough, flexible predators that happen to prefer thrips, mostly the immature thrips stages. It moves quickly to attack eggs, larvae and small adult thrips and mites. These predators are supplied two different ways: a bulk product in vermiculite for fast distribution and consumption; and a sachet product for slow preventive releases over an 3-4-week period.

$48.95

Amblyseius cucumeris sachets

Product ID: NCAS-Amblyseius sachets10

Amblyseius cucumeris is a slow release sachets species of predatory mite that feeds on immature stages of thrips and mites. It also feeds on pollen, two-spotted mites, russet mites, broad mites, cyclamen mites and other species of mites.
Target Pests: Broad mites, Hemp Russet mites, Cyclamen mites, Western flower thrips, Onion thrips, and Bamboo mites. Slow release bags act as miniature breeding units and are hung on plants throughout the greenhouse. Slow release hanging sachets are a great option for preventative maintenance to guard against Mites or Thrips. Simply hang every 4 weeks and these hatching bags will breed your own natural enemies.

$49.85

Amblyseius swirskii is commonly used to control whitefly and thrips in greenhouse vegetables (especially cucumber, pepper and eggplant) and some ornamental crops.Since Amblyseius swirskii is not susceptible to diapause it can be used throughout much of the season. This species is considered a generalist predator, and readily consumes small soft-bodied pest species as well as pollen or plant exudates. Amblyseius swirskii has attracted substantial interest as a biological control agent of mites, thrips and whiteflies in greenhouse and nursery crops. The mites are released directly in the crops in bran or vermiculite carriers sprinkled on the leaves or substrates.

Amblyseius swirskii is documented to feed and reproduce on a wide range of prey from several orders, including thrips (western flower, onion, melon, and chilli), whiteflies (greenhouse and silverleaf) and plant feeding spider mites.

The generalist predatory mite A. swirskii is widely used against other pests such as thrips and whiteflies and is also very effective in controlling broad mites. Amblyseius is a beneficial predatory mite endemic to the Eastern Mediterranean region. This species is considered a generalist predator, and readily consumes small soft-bodied pest species as well as pollen or plant exudates. Amblyseius swirskii has attracted substantial interest as a biological control agent of mites, broad mites, thrips and whiteflies in greenhouse.

Thrips definitely count as unwelcome guests, but it's not always easy to find out how the pest got into the greenhouse or field concerned.

Generally speaking, there are three routes that thrips take when getting into a crop:

They were already there

Thrips are experts at hide-and-seek - especially hiding. In winter, the insect hides away in sheltered spots, in crevices, on plant waste, or in the ground. Their pupae are also concealed in the soil. Thorough disinfection is therefore very important: you can do this as soon as the crop has been cleared out of the greenhouse or field.

They fly into the greenhouse

Adults can fly into the greenhouse through the vents. These may be native species and thrips from neighbouring greenhouses. Installing insect netting in the vents can certainly help, but it is not always enough. If the infestation level is high, they can simply fly in through the doors. To prevent this, some growers use overpressure in the greenhouse.

They come in with plant material

Larvae and eggs can hitch a ride on cuttings or young plants and are almost invisible. The existence of this route into a greenhouse sometimes leads to discussions or arguments between the grower and the supplier of the plant material. You can avoid this by making solid agreements. If the plant nursery does not use chemical products with a long-lasting residual effect, it is easier for the grower to build up a population of natural enemies.

Thrips infestations often start along paths and in warm places. From there, the insect moves further into the greenhouse or field crop, either under its own power by flying or drifting with the air. It can also hitch a ride on materials.

Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) generally makes itself at home in the upper levels of the crop and in the flowers. Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) is found everywhere, through it prefers the underside of young leaves. Echinothrips americanus, Impatiens thrips starts off low down in the crop, on the underside of leaves near the veins. These thrips are also found on weeds in the greenhouse; a good reason to put weed control at the top of your to-do list!