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Fallacis - Mite predator
Neoseiulus
fallacis = Amblyseius fallacis PO Box 1555, Ventura, CA 93002 800-248-2847 * 805-643-5407 * fax
805-643-6267 questions bugnet@rinconvitova.com orders orderdesk@rinconvitova.com www.rinconvitova.com |
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Reproduces at lower temperatures than other predatory
mites (P.persimilis)
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Resistant to more pesticides than most biological
controls
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Survive in the absence of mite prey by feeding on
other small arthropods and pollen
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Adult Neoseiulus
attacking a European red mite. Note the pale adult in the lower right that
has not yet fed. G.Catlin |
Mite eggs. From left, European
red mite, phytoseiid, and Zetzellia
mali. J.Ogrodnick |
Target: Fallacis strongly prefers tetranychid mites--the European red
mite and the two-spotted spider mite--in fruit tree orchards and will maintain these
below economic thresholds. Also preys
on Pacific Mites, Bank's grass mite and cyclamen mite.
Will eat 2-16 spider mites per day.
Packaging: Bottles –
mite adults in vermiculite or corn grit carrier, easy distribution.
Bean leaves – all life stages on bean leaves, food supply while in
transit.
Appearance: Adults are pear-shaped and slightly smaller than the European red
mite adult. They are white until they feed when they take on the coloration of
their prey (usually red or brown). The eggs are pear shaped, almost
transparent, but slightly larger than the round European red mite eggs.
Life Cycle and Fecundity:
Mated adult females overwinter in crevices of the tree bark if prey are
available in the fall. They emerge as early as bloom, but in reduced numbers
due to heavy winter mortality. N. fallacis increases in number rapidly
and adults become numerous by July or August. They live about 20 days and lay
an average of 40-60 eggs. Eggs are laid along the ribs of the undersides of
leaves. They will diapause when in response to shortened days, less than 14
hours of light
Introduction
Rates: Fallacis is most effective when
applied at the first sign of a mite infestation – careful monitoring is
necessary for effective control with predator mites. Greenhouse crops:
Introduce at a rate of 1-5 Fallacis/10 ft2 (m2) to all infested
plants. Use the lower rate for
preventative introductions onto mite susceptible plants; use the higher rates
if there are established mite populations.
They will usually become established in the crop after one introduction,
where they remain if mites or pollen are available for food.
Field
crops (including berries and mint):
Release 7,000 to 10,000/acre when spider mite densities are 0.3/leaf or
higher. Spread evenly throughout field
using 60-80 release spots, concentrating where mites are worst. Make first release early in spring for
control that year and release in summer for control the next season.
See Oregon State University’s release rate
calculator for extra information: http://pnwpest.org/ipm/mcalc.html
General Handling: Overnight storage is possible at 35º and 50º F or
until release. Release when temperatures are between 55º and 80º F, preferably
not in the middle of the day. Fallacis needs relative humidities of over 50% to
survive, particularly in the egg stage. In hot, dry conditions, raise the
humidity by watering or misting plants.
Release: For corn/grit vermiculite bottles
– gently rotate container to distribute mites and sprinkle contents over misted
foliage with highest spider mite densities. If densities are low, then spread
as evenly as possible.
For bean leaf product, place or staple leaves as
directed for bottles. The predators spread themselves by crawling on plants and
tumbling in air currents.
Pesticide compatibility:
Fallacis is resistant to many organophosphate insecticides including
Imidan and Guthion. It is resistant the miticides Kelthane, Omite, Vendex, and
to all but one of the available fungicides, including Capstan, Ronilan,
Rubigan, Polyram and Thitram. It is susceptible to the fungicide Benlate,
carbamate, and both synthetic and natural pyrethroids which leave a long
lasting residue. Overuse of mist-applied sulfur can suppress predator
reproduction and reduce effectiveness.
Check with supplier with compatibility questions.
IPM Strategy: The habit of N. fallacis to overwinter in
crevices can be used to advantage in the early spring with a pre-bloom
horticultural oil application. This greatly reduces the number of European red
mite eggs while not affecting predatory mite populations.
When humidity can be maintained above 60%, use in
combination with the mite predatory midge Feltiella acarisuga.
When 70% humidity and 72ºF can be maintained, use in
combination with P. persimilis.
In drier conditions, use with Stethorus punctum
ladybeetle.