The Resistant Spider Mite Predatory Mite - Amblyseius fallacis

Produced under an exclusive license from Agriculture Canada, this predator has been laboratory selected to be very resistant to pesticides (list available). Judged next best to persimilis in reproductive and feeding capacity, this predator feeds on pollen as well as several different mite hosts (russet mite, European red mite, two-spotted mite). A. fallacis also has a faster rate of increase than persimilis at high temperatures (27-30C) and at lower temperatures (18-22C). In trials by the British Columbia Greenhouse Growers, A. fallacis established on greenhouse pepper and was found to be more successful than persimilis at establishing on low populations of spider mite. Since it could also maintain itself on pollen and react to new outbreaks it was recommended that A. fallacis be regularly used along with persimilis for biological control of spider mite on greenhouse pepper. Release trials were also successful on greenhouse ornamental nurseries and in berry crops. Experiments over a 3 year period indicated that strawberry crops with A. fallacis predators required 81% less miticides.

Crop Type: greenhouse pepper, ornamental nursery plants and tropical foliage plants.

Introduction Rate: release 4 predators per m2 at the first appearance of mites, repeat the treatment two or three times at 10 day intervals or until predators are present in all infested areas. To improve control in pepper and tropical greenhouses apply A. fallacis along with persimilis and Stethorus to all infested areas.

Standard package size: 1000, 2000 (packaged with bean leaves)

Crop Type: field strawberry and raspberry.

Introduction Rate: release 7,000-10, 000 A. fallacis per acre once spider mite populations have reached 0.3 mites/leaf on the spring crop.