Predatory mite applications Broadcasting vs Sachets. Ronald Valentin Technical Lead Bioline North America

Transcription

1 Predatory mite applications Broadcasting vs Sachets Ronald Valentin Technical Lead Bioline North America

2 Predatory mite application and rates

3 Introducing Amblyseius spp predatory mites: choosing the best method for your situation? Broadcasting vs breeding systems Before 1989 broadcast only Mites do not sustain or establish in crops without pollen or prey Result weekly application needed to get population high enough at all times Release rates: mites per sq. ft. Weekly Broadcast or blowing Cost (labor and material)

4 Introducing Amblyseius spp predatory mites: choosing the best method for your situation? Blowing applications Black and Decker and other battery operated devices:

5 Introducing Amblyseius spp predatory mites: choosing the best method for your situation? Breeder piles Same product that goes in sachets but packed in bulk Longevity shorter compared to sachets Cost for smaller pot sizes or plugs Rate: 2.5 ml 5 ml per plug/pot mites per pile

6 What to remember with all predatory mites: Predatory mites do not fly mobility is limited Distribution IS really important. All Amblyseius species are very hard (impossible) to ID in the crop. One exception is Amblyseius degenerans because of its color Experience shows that breeding systems (sachets) in general result in more consistent results constant production of mites in the crop EARLY Eggs of Amblyseius spp often can be found on leaf hairs Phytoseiulus persmilis ONLY feeds on TSSM specialist and very aggressive Amblyseius spp are more generalists and many can feed on pollen Development: Alternative food sources to increase mite levels in the crop Predafix

7 Breeding sachets What s in a sachet? Bran Prey mites Food for the prey mites Predatory mites Culture Amblyline mini

8 Product development Solution/Strategy driven Finding solution for pest problems listening to industry Different crops, different strategies (formulations) CRS sachets 2002 Gemini sachets Bugline Development of breeding systems for predatory mites for all crop settings Consistently more mites = better results 6 to 8 weeks reproduction & release of mites Consistently more mites with CRS vs Broadcasting

9 Design of the Amblyline and Swirskiline Stick? 1. Fits easily in every seed tray by narrow stick No fungal growth as stick doesn t absorb water 3. Hole is protected from water by fold 4. No closure of the hole as stick is decentralized 5. Sachet can t fall off the stick by fold 6. Easy to recognize by specific paper color and clear description of mite species (lilac = Amblyseius cucumeris, blue is Amblyseius swirskii). 7. Consumer information: Contents non harmful/ecofriendly! Water resistant by seals and paper 9. Transparency of product information by QR code for consumer and customer 7 Crops in trays can be mown as sachet is just 6 cm high Available with A. cucumeris and A. swirskii Easy handling as there are strips of 6

10 Sachets with Predatory Mites Quality check at arrival and longer: Take several sachets and run test through sieve Sieve takes out most of the bran Ratio between predatory mite and bran mite should be 1 to10 For exact count take exact volume Life span of sachet is harder to determine Run out test Binder clips and sticky cards Greenhouse conditions Storage: Orius insidiosus DO NOT store in low humidity areas Dehydration, Storage temp >60 F/15 C Sachet can be stored a bit longer as it is breeder material, however, this will affect their lifespan in the crop Use within 1 week

11 Sachets with Predatory Mites Bran mites vs Predatory mites: Orius insidiosus

12 Sachets with Predatory Mites Oriline i Orius insidiosus Binder clip placed on sticky card. Make sure exit hole does not get pinched Shade with mites gets darker in following weeks Replace sticky card in week 3 or 4 and place on new card to see if sachet are still active

13 Sachets with Predatory Mites Which predatory mites are available in Sachets: Amblyseius cucumeris: (Amblyline) Mini sachets (hanger), Mini sachets on Stick, (both 250 mites per sachet) Traditional CRS (hanger only) (1000 mites per sachet) Gemini sachet (double sachet 250 mites per sachet =500 total) Bugline (continuous strip with sachets, every 3 rd sachet has culture) Amblyseius swirskii: (Swirskiline) Regular size sachet (250 mites) Mini sachet (hanger 250 mites per sachet) Mini sachet on stick (125 mites per sachet) Bugline (continuous strip with sachets, every 6 th sachet has culture) Gemini sachet (double sachet 125 mites per sachet =250 mites each)

14 Sachets with Predatory Mites Which predatory mites are available in Sachets: Amblyseius andersoni: (Anderline) Mini sachet (hanger 125 mites per sachet) Bugline (continuous strip with sachets, every 6 th sachet has culture) Gemini sachet (double sachet 125 mites per sachet =250 mites each) Amblyseius califonicus: (Californiline) Mini sachet (hanger 250 mites per sachet) Phytoseiulus persimilis is not available in sachets: Can not be produced on bran mites!! Important: Sachet are designed to reproduce mites for 4 to 8 weeks. Performance on production of mites is greatly affected by conditions.