GREENHOUSE BIOCONTROL IN UTAH

BENEFICIAL AND THE PESTS THEY TARGET GREENHOUSE BIOCONTROL IN UTAH

BENEFICIAL INSECTS AND THE PESTS THEY TARGET

Author Marion Murray, Utah State University

Illustrations and Graphics Alex Loveland, Utah State University

Funding Crop Protection and Pest Management Program [grant no. 2017-70006-27147/project accession no. 1013830] from USDA NIFA

Western Sustainable Agriculture and Research Professional Development Program

Contact Utah State University Extension IPM Program 5305 Old Main Hill Logan, UT 84322 ipm.usu.edu

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Aphids Pest Information ...... 2 General Parasitoid Information ...... 6 Aphelinus abdominalis ...... 8 Aphidius colemani ...... 10 Aphidius ervi ...... 12 Aphidius matricariae ...... 14 Aphidoletes aphidimyza ...... 16 Chrysoperla rufilabris ...... 18 Hippodamia convergens ...... 20

Fungus Gnats Pest Information ...... 22 Dalotia coriaria ...... 24 Stratiolaelaps scimitus ...... 26 Steinernema feltiae ...... 28

Mealybugs Pest Information ...... 30 Anagyrus pseudococci ...... 32 Cryptolaemus montrouzieri ...... 34 Leptomastix datylopii ...... 36

Scales Pest Information ...... 38 Aphytis melinus ...... 40 Lindorus lophanthae ...... 42 Spider Mites Pest Information ...... 44 Amblyseius andersoni ...... 48 Feltiella acarisuga ...... 50 Galendromus occidentalis ...... 52 californicus ...... 54 Neoseiulus fallacis ...... 56 Phytoseiulus persimilis ...... 58 Stethorus punctillum ...... 60

Thrips Pest Information ...... 62 Amblyseius swirskii ...... 64 Neoseiulus (Amblyseius cucumeris) ...... 66 Orius spp...... 68 Stratiolaelaps scimitus ...... 70 Steinernema feltiae ...... 72

Whiteflies Pest Information ...... 74 Amblyseius swirskii ...... 76 Delphastus catalinae ...... 78 Encarsia formosa ...... 80 Eretmocerus eremicus ...... 81

Banker Plants and Quality Control ...... 84

Resources and Image Credits ...... 89 Insects on a Sticky Trap (not to scale) Monitoring withInsects sticky traps is on important a sticky when using trap biocontrol. The Insects on adrawings sticky below trap depict some insects that may be foundInsects on the traps. on a sticky trap (not to scale) (not to scale) (not to scale)

parasitic wasp aphid parasitic wasp parasitic7 mmaphid wasp parasiticaphid6 waspmm (winged) aphid 7 mm 7 6mm mm 7 mm6 mm 6 mm

fungusfungus gnat gnat shoreshore y fly fungus gnat shore y fungus gnat shore y 2.52.5 mmmm 2 2mm mm 2.5 mm 2 mm 2.5 mm 2 mm

thrip white y thrip white y1 mm thrip0.8 mm white y 1 mm 0.8whitefly mm thrips1 mm (winged) 0.8 mm 1.6 mm 1 mm

1 APHIDS 2 Biocontrol (inorder Options ofeffectiveness) should settheirown thresholds. indicate existing colonies. greenhouse Individual operations growing points. Yellow cards that sticky trap wingedaphids cycle. Pay attention to theundersides ofleaves andnew regularly throughout visualinspections Conduct thecrop’s Monitoring fungi. Aphids canvector viral diseases. asasubstratehoneydew ismessy andserves for mold sooty Leaf curling, yellowing, stunting. distortion, The sticky Symptoms and move to anotherarea to feed. Adults develop wingswhenpopulations become crowded, the rear oftheabdomen, andsheddedwhite exoskeletons. featuresCharacteristic includetwo pipes”“tail (cornicles) on excrement).with honeydew (sugary found incolonies ontheundersidesofleaves inassociation sap through calledastylet. astraw-like mouthpart They are Aphids are that suckplant pear-shaped, bodiedinsects soft Pest Information APHIDS - Aphidius abdominalis - Aphidius ervi - Aphidius - Green lacewing (whiletemperatures are above 90°F) - Ladybeetles(whiletemperatures are below 90°F) colemani- Aphidius APHIDS 3 Potato (foxglove) aphids are similar to green peach aphids, but peach aphids, green similar to aphids are (foxglove) Potato longer cornicles. shinier and have Winged green peach aphids have an irregular patch on the abdomen. the on patch irregular an have aphids peach green Winged Green peach aphids have an indentation between the base of their between an indentation peach aphids have Green the dark at are cornicles The of their head. on the front antennae extreme tips. APHIDS 4 color ranges from light yellow to green. dark aphids areMelon andblack. small, andtheircornicles are short Their they give birth to livethey give young. birth meaningthat parthenogenesis, Left depending, on theseason. Color ofthespeciesmay vary congregated around leafveins. on theundersidesofleaves, Top : Aphids canbefound : Aphids reproduce through APHIDS 5 melon aphid Aphis gossypii large (4 mm) large Thorax green; Thorax melon aphid head attened Aphis gossypii melon aphid Aphis gossypii potato aphid potato head flattened; small (< 2mm); Aphis gossypii potato aphid potato small (< 2 mm) very mobile potato aphid potato Small, rounded (2mm); rounded Small, potato aphid potato body long (4 mm) melon/cotton aphid melon/cotton cornicles shortcornicles (= cauda); No abdominal patch; Macrosiphum euphorbiae Macrosiphum No abdominal dorsal patch; no abdominal dorsal markings;no abdominal dorsal small (2 mm), rounded body small (2 mm), rounded Thorax green; no abdominal green; Thorax abdomen light to dark green to abdomen light Macrosiphum euphorbiae Macrosiphum dorsal markings; (4 mm) large Macrosiphum euphorbiae Macrosiphum Cornicles shortCornicles (same as cauda); abdomen light to dark green; dark green; to abdomen light Macrosiphum euphorbiae Macrosiphum antennal tubercules diverging; tubercules antennal Antennal tubercules diverging; tubercules Antennal body long (4mm), apple green; Apple green in color; very green mobile; Apple Wingless Aphids Wingless Winged Aphids Winged abdomen Myzus persicae Thorax darker than Thorax green peach aphid green Myzus persicae Myzus persicae Thorax darker than abdomen Thorax Myzus persicae green peach aphid green green peach aphid green appendages light body pear shaped; green peach aphid peach green Medium to large (≥ 3 mm); Medium large to medium to large (≥ 3mm); large medium to cornicles longer than cauda; cornicles antennal tubercules swollen tubercules antennal body pear-shaped Appendages light; Appendages antennal tubercules developed tubercules antennal medium to large (> 3 mm) large medium to medium to large (> 3 mm) large medium to antennal tubercles swollen; tubercles antennal Cornicles longer than cauda; longer Cornicles Irregular patch on dorsal abdomen; Irregular patch Antennal tubercules swollen; tubercules Antennal antennal tubercles developed; tubercles antennal antennal tubercles swollen; tubercles antennal Irregular patch on dorsal abdomen; on dorsal Irregular patch Identification of Aphids of Identification APHIDS 6 back ofthemummy, indicates ahyperparasite hasemerged. jagged edges. Aragged emergence hole, inthetop, mid- speciesproducesof anAphidius aclean,round hole without indicates theadultparasites have emerged. The emergence aphid mummiesfor round holesinthehindend. This instead ofthebiocontrol. Use a10–15xhand lensto inspect the biocontrol wasp insidetheaphid, andwillemerge hyperparasites. These are even smallerwasps that parasitize parasitoid wasp itselfmay beattacked by naturally occurring Effectiveness may be reduced inlate summerwhenthe ladybugs. aphid infestations, useincombination and withAphidoletes the parasitoid andaphid populations are balanced. For in thegreenhouse. When 80%ofaphidsare parasitized, forweekly parasitized aphids(mummies)andleave these Keepgreenhousethrips). temperature below 85°F. Monitor Remove yellow traps (OK sticky to leave bluetraps for make iteasierfor wasps to findandmove amongaphids. suchassoaporoil,insecticide, to reduce numbersand release. theaphidpopulation ishigh,usealow-toxicity If Stop pesticides4weeks useofbroad before spectrum appearing. aphids are start orwhenaphidstypically detected Parasitoid wasps canbeintroduced at low rates before General Management “flap” may ormay not remain. emerges through asmoothcircular hole. The emergence aphid. thenpupates insidetheaphid,The andtheadult larva tan, brown, dependingonthespeciesofwasp or orblack, swells andstops feeding, becoming a “mummy.” may turn It over ofupto aperiod 2weeks. thistime, During theaphid hatched, thenfeeds ontheaphidcontents thewasp larva cycle. Adult females lay asingleegginsideanaphid. Once Parasitoid wasps require ahostto complete theirlife General Information Parasitoid Wasps APHIDS 7 Parasite Parasite emergence hole emergence is smooth and round Parasitoid emergence hole emergence Parasitoid Aphid dies; wasp dies; wasp Aphid larva pupates; aphid becomes "mummy" Larva grows; Larva grows; aphid continues feeding Wasp lays egg lays Wasp inside aphid (oviposition) Adult Adult parasitoid wasp Wasp emerges through through emerges Wasp hole in abdomen Hyperparasite Hyperparasitoid emergence hole emergence emergence hole is jagged emergence Exit Hole of Hyperparasitoid and Parasitoid and Parasitoid of Hyperparasitoid Exit Hole within the beneficial develops (hyperparasotoid parasitoid) Life Cycle of Aphid Parasitoid Wasp Parasitoid Aphid of Cycle Life APHIDS 8 place itinashadedarea nestledamongsttheplants. fly out. Leave any unhatched mummies withinthevialand carefully andwalk amongstplants whileallowing wasps to until 80–90%ofaphidsare parasitized. To release, openvials infested zones, astheyare notgoodfliers. or Release weekly of otheraphids potato andfoxglove plusover aphids(primarily), 40species Pests they Control about 8days release. after (up to 8weeks). Scout for parasitized aphidsthat black turn species;however,most Aphidius theyare slower to establish These wasps are ableto tolerate highertemperatures than How to Manage 1toRelease 2peryd How to Release for upto 2days. parasitized mummies. Can store shipment at 50°Finthedark Shipped asvialscontaining newlyemerged adults and/or Shipping/Storage about8days. blackafter mummies willturn aphids, andparasitize 14early-instar aphids, eachday. Aphid of 3weeks, females consume candirectly 2newlyhatched antennaeyellow andlegs. aperiod Over abdomenandshort more than40species ofaphids. Adults are blackwitha These minusculewasps (3mminlength)are effective against Parasitic Wasp Aphelinus abdominalis 2 for prevention, and4peryd 2 near APHIDS 9 Parasitized aphids (mummies) turn black within 8 days of being aphids (mummies) turn black within 8 days Parasitized parasitized. wasps can feed directly on aphids, and also lay and also lay directly on aphids, can feed A. abdominalis wasps Adult aphids per day. 14 young a time in up to eggs one at Wasps are black with a yellow abdomen and short with a yellow black antennae. are Wasps APHIDS 10 rest ofthewasps to emerge. the openvialinashadedarea amongthecrop to allow the repeat theprocess for 2to 4days. After thistimeframe, place greenhouse temperature until more adultshave hatched and crop until alladultshave escaped. thevialandstore Recap at plants. through the taptheopenvialwhilewalking Gently zones. Holdvialhorizontally andremove lidamongstthe cherry-oat aphidonbanker plants (see page84) cherry-oat green peach/tobacco andcotton/melon aphids;alsobird Pests they Control first after release, andleave these in the greenhouse. weeks inhighinfestations. Look for aphidmummies2weeks become establishedinthegreenhouse. for weekly Release 3 colemani, however, willlive ofconditions andmay inavariety Keep temperature at 64–75°F, at 80%.A. andhumidity How to Manage 1perydRelease How to Release 18 hoursat 47–50°F. adults to mummies uponarrival. May store up to inthedark Temperature andtransit timewilldetermine theratio of transit,during providing amixofadultsandmummies. Shipped asvialscontaining mummies. willemerge Some Shipping/Storage wasp pupating. can lay upto 300eggs. to tanprior Aphid the mummiesturn insidetheaphid, and2weeks asanadult.a larva Females yellowstriped to brown. The life consists of2weeks cycle as with wings, buthave long, thinantennae. Their abdomenis mm inlength,andsimilarappearance to asmallblackant This wasp works bestincooler greenhouses. Adults are 2 Parasitic Wasp colemani Aphidius 2 for prevention, and2peryd 2 ininfested APHIDS 11 Aphids Aphids Left: Far by parasitized turn A. colemani the for tan. Look emergence circular hole. Near: Left Wasps sold as adults are bottles. in release A single wasp emerges from each parasitized aphid. each parasitized from emerges A single wasp wasps look similar to a winged ant, but have long, thin long, but have a winged ant, look similar to wasps A. colemani antennae. APHIDS 12 up to 25per 100ft the crop to allow remaining mummiesto emerge. morning.or early Leave vialupright anduncappedamong gently tapadultsoutamongsttheplants inthelate evening aphid, several otheraphidspecies potato andfoxglove green aphids (primarily), peach/tobacco Pests they Control release, andleave theseinthegreenhouse. infestations. Look for aphidmummies2weeks first after effective at 60–80%.Most onlowhumidity level aphid Wasps become at inactive temperatures above 85°F. Keep How to Manage 1toRelease 5per100ft How to Release 47–50°F. while mummiesmay bestored upto inthedark 18hoursat adults. Adults shouldbereleased immediately uponreceipt, carrier,Shipped asavialofmummiesinbuckwheat oras Shipping/Storage grayAphid mummiesturn to ortan prior thewasp pupating. antennae. Females lay asingleegg insideupto 200aphids. and foxglove aphids. They are near-black withlong, slender A larger wasp (4–5mminlength)that isusedfor potato Parasitic Wasp ervi Aphidius 2 weekly ininfested weekly zones. Uncapvialand 2 weekly asapreventive weekly measure and APHIDS 13 Parasitized aphids turn tan or gray prior to wasp pupation. wasp prior to aphids turn tan or gray Parasitized Females insert curving 200 aphids by a single egg inside up to Females her the skin. and piercing abdomen upward is one of the larger parasitoid wasps. A. ervi wasps. parasitoid is one of the larger APHIDS 14 plants to allow remaining wasps to emerge. the rest ofthewasps to emerge. Leave thevialnearinfested place theopenvialinashadedarea amongthecrop to allow and repeat theprocess for 2to 4days. After thistimeframe, at greenhouse temperature until more adultshave hatched crop until alladultshave escaped. thevialandstore Recap plants. through the taptheopen vialwhilewalking Gently zones. Holdvialhorizontally andremove lidamongstthe effect onotheraphids greenprimarily peach/tobacco aphid;somesuppressive Pests they Control the greenhouse. mummies 10to 14days first after release, andleave thesein day periods, sotheycanbeused year-round. Look for aphid ideal, at 60–85%.Notaffected andkeephumidity by short Keep greenhouse temperature at 50–85°Fwith77°being How to Manage 1perydRelease How to Release 47–50°F. shipment. May bestored upto inthedark 18hoursat Shipped asvialsofmummies. may Some emerge during Shipping/Storage aphid mummy light incolor. turns brown to silvery-gold days. Works ongreen primarily peach/tobacco aphid. The lay asingleegginupto themin7to 150aphids, 10 killing Adult wasps are 3mminlengthandblackcolor. Females Parasitic Wasp matricariae Aphidius 2 for prevention, and2peryd 2 ininfested APHIDS 15 Parasitized aphids turn light brown to silvery-gold to brown aphids turn in color. light Parasitized Females insert curving 150 aphids by a single egg inside up to Females her the skin. and piercing abdomen upward is a medium-sized parasitoid, with a reddish-brown with a reddish-brown parasitoid, is a medium-sized A. matricariae abdomen. APHIDS 16 to 9peryd onto plants. out, sodonotshake fly out.contents Pupae shouldnotdry amongst shady, infested plants, andallow adultmidgesto most aphidspecies Pests they Control unless supplemental light isprovided for thecrop. shouldonlybeusedfromso Aphidoletes to spring summer day enter length, diapauseinfall duetoThe shorter larvae reproduction andbecome 3to establishedafter 4releases. usingasoil-basedmedia,midgeswillcontinue50–90%. If Keep temperature between 60–80°F, at andhumidity How to Manage 1toRelease 3midgesperyd How to Release emergence. willmate onthemesh. Midges with ameshlid(at dailyfor 75–95°F).Checkthebuckettwice emerging,not started opencontainer bucket into a5-gallon a vermiculite carrier. Uponreceipt ofshipment, ifadultshave Shipped asblackpupaeinblister packsorplasticbottleswith Shipping/Storage pupateand shriveled. insoilmedia. Larvae devouring upto aphidsare 80each.Dead brown to black, days. astheyfeed,They holdaphidswiththeirmouthparts within thecolonies. alsoorange,The larvae, hatch in2to 4 by honeydew scent, andlay around 70tiny, orange eggs and long, drooping legs. At night, females seekoutaphids tiny adultsresemble mosquitoes, antennae withextended These midgesdowell at managing hotspotoutbreaks. The Predatory Midge Gall aphidimyzaAphidoletes 2 for curative. Place orhangopenedcontainers 2 for preventive measures; 2 APHIDS 17 Midges can be yellow or orange, and voracious feeders. Dead aphids feeders. and voracious or orange, Midges can be yellow and black. shriveled are is a fly that resembles a tiny mosquito. Females seek out mosquito. resembles a tiny Aphidoletes is a fly that egg-laying. for aphid colonies are sold as pupae. Blister packs can be hung on plants, packs can be hung on plants, Blister sold as pupae. Aphidoletes are time. over and adults emerge APHIDS 18 aphids, , , scale, spidermites Pests they Control are at mostactive night. and larvae greenhouse asfood for adults. Difficult to scout, asadults andpollen-producing plants nectar inthe Maintain Keep temperature above at 60–89°Fandhumidity 30%. How to Manage eggs, oradults. larvae, Repeat release in1to 3weeks. supplierinformationSee for release rates dependingon How to Release donotstore.right away; individual cells. Adults are usedfor outdoor crops. Release because theyare cannibalistic, andmustbeshippedin work fastest,in shipment. butare Larvae more expensive mediumbutthere carrier may belosses loose inaninert May besoldaseggs, oradults. larvae, Eggs are shipped Shipping/Storage survive. than 200eggsandrequire honeydew, nectar, orpollento drawing outthebodilyfluids. Adult females canlay more aparalyzingwith large agent before mandiblesandinject long andlive for 2weeks. When feeding, theygrasp prey themthenickname earning “aphid lion”. are 9–10mm Larvae effective, consuming more than200aphidsper week, are predatory,Although onlythelarvae lacewings are highly Green Lacewing rufilabris Chrysoperla APHIDS 19 Lacewings can be shipped as adults. can be shipped as adults. Lacewings Lacewing larvae consume more than 200 aphids per week. Eggs are larvae are than 200 aphids per week.Lacewing Eggs more consume predators. them from protect of silk to strands laid on delicate It is important adults upon release. nectar for that is available APHIDS 20 weeks. be dehydrated from travel. adultsweekly, Release for 2to 4 shade available. plants to prior release, Mist asbeetlesmay or around infestations intheevening, andensure there is aphids, scale, thrips, whitefly, mites Pests they Control greenhouse. cracks and crevices andmay establishthemselves withina overwinter insouth-facing continued survival. plants andaphid-infested plants inthegreenhouse for when there isanamplefood source. flowering Maintain humidities. H.convergens have to disperseeven atendency Lady beetlestolerate awiderange oftemperatures and How to Manage intheevening,Release at arate of1to 4adultsperyd How to Release months. Inexpensive. such asshredded paper. Can berefrigerated for one to two Shipped incanisters asadultsamongprotective material, Shipping/Storage lifetime. andadultstages)canconsume upto 5,000aphidsinits larval month neartheirprey. period Asingleladybeetle(both alligator-like. Females willlay upto 300eggsover aseveral clubbedantennae. are blackand in lengthwithshort, Larvae red) andcanhave upto 13blackspots. They are 4to 7mm Convergent incoloration (orange to ladybeetleadultsvary Convergent andotherspecies LadyBeetle convergensHippodamia 2

APHIDS 21 Adult lady beetles live for several months, but it can take up to 5 but it can take up to months, several for lady beetles live Adult after release. occur to and egg-laying mating for weeks Larvae can consume several hundred aphids before pupating to an to pupating aphids before hundred Larvae several can consume adult. The bright yellow clusters of eggs are easy to spot among aphid easy to of eggs are clusters yellow bright The colonies. FUNGUS GNATS 22 (All alsowork species) onmostthrips (inorderOptions ofeffectiveness) pots. inproduction larvae perpotato inpropagationis 3to 5larvae potsand15to 20 the potato within24to 48hours. The threshold for damage canbefound onthetop andbottom Larvae of soil surface. thepotsize islargeIf enough,press potato slices into the yellow trapsSet at orbefore sticky settingseedlings. Monitoring plants, butcanbeanuisance. and plugsare especially vulnerable. Adults donotfeed on Wilting andreduced vigordueto root loss. Young seedlings Symptoms surface. the top few inchesofthesoil. They pupate nearthesoil live forLarvae upto 20days, feeding onplant root hairsin Females lay upto 200eggsinthesoilofpotted plants. movements. vein onthetip of thewing. darting They flyinshort, have longlegs, characteristic longantennae, anda Y-shaped These are small(3mm)fliesthat resemble mosquitoes. They Pest Information FUNGUS GNATS - Rove beetles - Rove beetlesplusStratiolaelaps - Stratiolaelaps mites - Nematodes - Nematodes plusStratiolaelaps mites FUNGUS GNATS 23 Fungus gnats can be monitored using yellow sticky traps. They are are They sticky traps. using yellow can be monitored gnats Fungus by their long legs. identified Larvae are the primary damaging stage, feeding on fine root hairs Larvae on fine the primary are feeding stage, damaging near the soil surface. Fungus gnat adults spend most of their time on the soil surface, adults spend most of their time on gnat Fungus for Adults live occurs. watering when or moved flying when pots are 200 eggs. up to and lay about 10 days, FUNGUS GNATS 24 treatment. infestations become severe; theycannotbeusedasarescue days. Rove beetlesare mosteffective when released before concentrate 50to 100inonecentral location. Repeat in7 the greenhouse. To encourage mating andreproduction, the growing medium.Adults willreadily flythroughout locate thebeetles. rocks, onthegreenhouse floor. rocks periodically Lift to that feed on thepotato), orby placingshelter suchasflat slices onsoilmedia(theyare attracted to thefungusgnats a greenhouse year-round. Scout for themby usingpotato overall protection. Rove beetles canbecome established in at 50–80%.Use alongwithStratiolaelaps mites for best Keep greenhouse temperature at 55–80°F, andthehumidity How to Manage 1toRelease 5adultsperyd How to Release for upto 2days. cardboard tubes. necessary, If containers canbeheldat 50°F invials, bottles, ofadultsandlarvae or Shipped asmixture Shipping/Storage may consume perday. upto 150fungusgnat larvae stages. beetleslive Individual forlarval upto 60days. Adults are thin,paleyellow,Larvae andbecome inthelater darker upwards,curves similarto scorpions. them to spread throughout thegreenhouse. The abdomen adults are wings, 3–4mmin length andhave enabling short predators ofmites andothersmallinsects. The brown-black Rove beetleadultsandnymphs are effective soil-dwelling Predatory Rove ( coriaria Dalotia formerly Atheta coriaria) 2 , directly onto the surface of onto, directly the surface FUNGUS GNATS 25 Dalotia can be monitored using potato slices. The rove beetles are beetles are rove The slices. using potato Dalotia can be monitored larvae there. or the fungus gnat the potato feeding to either attracted Both adults and larvae and adult larvae upon prey of fungus gnats, flies and thrips in the soil. shore beetles also target rove beetles are small and brown-black. Typical to rove rove to Typical small and brown-black. beetles are Dalotia rove Adult curves the abdomen beetles, upwards. Pests they Control they Pests thrips of soil-stages flies, shore gnats, fungus FUNGUS GNATS 26 30 mites perft piles over thesoilsurface. soil stagesofthrips, fungusgnat larvae Pests they Control and nematodes. 6-inches insize, usenematodes instead. Compatible withBt Keep soilmoistbutnottoo wet. containers If are lessthan notletgreenhouseDo temperatures drop below 60°F. How to Manage per week), at arate of10mites perft whilegnatRelease populations are low (lessthan10pertrap How to Release up to 2days. released assoonreceived, butcanbestored at 50–60°F for vermiculite withprey orpeat carrier mites. They shouldbe Shipped inshakertubescontaining alllife stagesina Shipping/Storage effective, andlive for 6 to 8 weeks. Stratiolaelaps canlive 7days withoutfood. They are cost- 6-inch containers orlarger. the soil. They are mosteffective where plants are grown in shape ontheirbacks. They willspendtheirentire life in cycle minute, lessthan1mminlength, tanincolor, withashield andmites. andothersmallinsects Adultsgnat are larvae Stratiolaelaps mite whichfeeds isasoil-dwelling onfungus PredatorySoil-Dwelling Mite ( Stratiolaelaps scimitus formerly 2 . Gently tilt bottle to mix and sprinkle small tiltbottleto. Gently mixandsprinkle Hypoaspis miles) Hypoaspis 2 . ininfested areas, use FUNGUS GNATS 27 The mites can consume up to 7 fungus gnat larvae 7 fungus gnat up to per day. can consume mites The are sold in shaker tubes with prey mites as a food as a food mites with prey sold in shaker tubes are Stratiolaelaps shaking by potting Apply piles directly onto shipping. for source pots. in 6-inch or larger best work mites The media. is mite that targets thrips and fungus gnat larvae thrips and fungus gnat targets that in the is mite Stratiolaelaps a darker on their backs. shield shape have Adults soil. FUNGUS GNATS 28 suppression (soilstages) ofthrips fungus gnats, fruitflies, fleabeetles, shore flies, slight Pests they Control in 2to 6weeks. in adultsmay beseenin2to 3weeks. May need to re-apply yellow traps to determine orbluesticky efficacy. A reduction temperature isabove 85°F. populations Monitor thrips with outorifthesurface ifsoildries Nematodes canbekilled How to Manage by closingwindows2 hoursafterward andventilation. the nematodes. Ensure that thecrop remains wet for at least continuously. Apply at sunset to provide maximumshadefor sprayer, orwatering can.Agitate nematode container Apply to directly moistmediathrough system, theirrigation How to Release ice packs),orletthenematodes warmfirst. make sure themix water isasimilartemperature (may need storage temperature constant. When mixingfrom storage, months. notletthenematodes Do freeze, andkeepthe however, nematodes may berefrigerated at 40°Ffor several unitseach.Immediate releasemillion active isideal; Shipped inawettable clay powder whichholdsseveral Shipping/Storage card itistoo perweek, latesticky for nematodes. fungus gnat population inthe greenhouse reaches 100per injected by thenematode.been liquefied by bacteria If the natural openings, andfeeding onthecontents that have potting media. by entering thebodythrough larvae They kill effective at controlling that occur inthe fungus gnat larvae S. feltiaeare microscopic, worm-like parasites that are very NematodeBeneficial Steinernema feltiae FUNGUS GNATS 29 Nematodes can be applied via irrigation system, hose, or watering or watering hose, via irrigation can be applied system, Nematodes can. Nematodes are sold in a wettable clay powder, in sealed packets. in sealed packets. powder, clay sold in a wettable are Nematodes Nematodes require a microscope to see their features. But a strong a strong But see their features. to a microscope require Nematodes viable in are if nematodes determine to lens can be used magnifying mix. the water MEALYBUGS 30 Options (inorderOptions ofeffectiveness) allows parasites andpredators to attack mealybugs. be anindication ofamealybuginfestation. Controlling ants Honeydew, mold, sooty andthepresence ofants may also and ontheundersideofleaves andnearthebaseofplants. or cottony residues alongtheleafmidribs, onleafstem axils, regularly. visualinspections Conduct Look for white flecks Monitoring feeding moldandattracts sooty ants. excrete substance calledhoneydew, asticky whichpromotes and causingleaves to yellow, turn wilt, anddrop. They also feed plantMealybugs juices, by sucking reducing plant vigor, Symptoms form clustered colonies ontheplant. waxless. Uponsettling, mealybugsare mostlyimmobile, and cottony sacbeneath herbody. Crawlers are yellowish and tufts. Females orshort projections lay upto 600 eggsina onthespecies, coatingDepending may thewaxy belong that aresects covered withawhite, wax coating. powdery small, are soft-bodied,Mealybugs oval-shaped very in- Pest Information MEALYBUGS - Leptomastix parasitic wasp (citrusmealybugonly) pseudococci- Anagyrus - Lacewings (seepage18) (mealybugdestroyer)- Cryptolaemus MEALYBUGS 31 The solenopsis has an oval body with a waxy covering waxy body with a covering has an oval solenopsis mealybug The has a species This and abdomen. on the thorax with dark areas eggplant, species including tomatoes, of broadleaf wide host range and potatoes. melons, Obscure mealybugs are light gray to white and have a medium and have white to gray light mealybugs are Obscure on a wide variety occur of hosts. They “tail”. length mealybug has short,Citrus its waxy of equal length around filaments begonia, amaryllis,abdomen. It cyclamen, coleus, is a pest of citrus, others. and oleander, gardenia, dahlia, hibiscus, MEALYBUGS 32 parasitize. days. They willimmediately mate andlookfor mealybugsto best results. Adults willemerge from mummieswithin5 an irregular holeintherear ofthemealybug. yellow-brown mummifiedhost, andadultsemerge through eventually pupate insidethe paralyzing thehost. Larvae nymphs. progressThe wasp larvae through 5instars, Females lay upto 45eggs, oneat atime, withinmealybug areMales black. head. Their antennae blackandwhite are banded. distinctly coloring andayellow,mm withdullorange-brown triangular mealybugspecies.only feeds Females oncertain are 1.5–2 commercially available parasitoid for mealybugcontrol, it areAlthough Anagyrus themostcommonly bred, Parasitic Wasp pseudococciAnagyrus pink hibiscusmealybug, vinemealybug mealybug, long-tailedmealybug,cryptic obscure mealybug, cassava mealybug, citrusmealybug, Comstock mealybug, Pests they Control introduction. after Works. well withCryptolaemus 50–90%. The firstmummiesshouldbeseenabout 3 weeks Keep temperatures between 65–93°F, at andhumidity How to Manage infestations at arate of1wasp per5ft Place theopencontainer inadry, shadyplace near How to Release ready to emerge. notstore. Do Shipped asmummifiedmealybugsmixed insawdust and Shipping/Storage 2 . Release at. Release duskfor MEALYBUGS 33 Wasp larvae develop inside the mealybug body. Adults emerge emerge Adults larvae inside the mealybug body. develop Wasp hole on the abdomen. an irregular through for best control of Anagyrus best control with can be usedCryptolaemus wasps for mealybugs. wasps are dull orange to brownish and larger then larger and brownish to orange dull Anagyrus are wasps Female near the head. banded black and white are Antennae the black males. MEALYBUGS 34 mealybugs; othersmallinsects Pests they Control mealybug populations. beetle way-finding. among Scout for theadultsandlarvae with placingwhite cards nearmealybugzones to improve are drawnat 70–80%.Crypts to white Experiment objects. Ideal conditions are temperatures at 66–72°Fandhumidity How to Manage allowing beetles to warm up. container onto foliage, orevenly throughout thecrop after to 5perinfested plant. tapthebeetlesoutoftheir Gently foliage atMist andrelease sundown at insects arate of2 How to Release within 18hoursanddonotstore. adults. are andpre-mated Release shippedaspre-fed Crypts Shipping/Storage and theycancleanupalarge infestation. larger. andadultsfeed onallmealybugstages, larvae Both in white wax, andresemble themealybugs, butare usually are coveredpresence larvae ofmealybugeggmasses. Crypts Females canlay 10eggsperday, butonlywithinthe months asadults. beetles willlive for andup to roughly 2 3weeks aslarvae “Crypts” asmealybugdestroyers. andalsoknown The beetle withabronze headandthorax. They are nicknamed A relative oftheladybeetle, isashiny Cryptolaemus black DestroyerMealybug montrouzieri Cryptolaemus MEALYBUGS 35 Crypts adults and young larvae prefer eggs, while mature larvae while mature Crypts eggs, larvae adults and young prefer A single larva mealybugs of all stages. up to consume can consume an adult. to pupating 250 mealybugs before Larvae are covered in white wax filaments, resembling mealybugs, resembling mealybugs, filaments, wax in white Larvae covered are larger. slightly but are Crypts adults are shiny brown-black with a bronze head. They live up live They head. with a bronze brown-black Crypts shiny adults are 2 months. to MEALYBUGS 36 Pests they Control mummies. of release. When monitoring, lookfor brown mealybug within4to 6weeks insecticides notusebroad-spectrum Do Keep temperatures at 70–80°F, above andhumidity 70%. How to Manage populations ofmealybugs. onto otherprey. They are ableto hunt down even sparse mealybugs have already beenparasitized, andwillmove near mealybuginfestations. Leptomastix which candetect supplierforSee release rates. Wasps shouldbereleased How to Release promptly uponreceipt for bestresults. adult wasps ormealybugmummiesinsmallvials. Release May beinlimited supplyfrom Shippedas insectaries. Shipping/Storage carcass. Adults live 24to 27days. Adults emerge through aholeitcutsinthemealybug intomealybug thenturns abrown, barrel-shaped mummy. mealybug contents whileprogressing through 4instars. The preferring hatch oldermealybugs. andfeed Larvae onthe egg inupto 100 mealybugsover atwo-week period, Females are slightly larger thanmales, andtheylay asingle manner,distinctive hops. flyinginshort are yellowish-brown and3mminlength. They move ina Leptomastix isspecific to citrus mealybug. Adult wasps Parasitic Wasp Leptomastix dactylopii citrus mealybug MEALYBUGS 37 Larvae develop inside the citrus mealybugs and emerge through a Larvae through inside the citrus mealybugs and emerge develop the end of the abdomen. hole cut through large Females are attracted to the odor of infested plants. They can sense They plants. the odor of infested to attracted are Females eggs in them. laying mealybugs and avoid parasitized adults are yellowish-brown with distinctly long, black black with distinctly long, yellowish-brown adults are Leptomastix antennae. SCALES 38 Options (inorderOptions ofeffectiveness) gence; theywillappearasyellow ororange specks. infested stems to determine thetimingofscalecrawler emer scales.indicate soft tapearound sticky Wrap double-sided for honeydew onfoliage, mold, sooty orants, which may scales intheform of adults, nymphs, orcrawlers. Check ofplants regular forConduct inspection thepresence of Monitoring prematurely, andplants that remain heavily infested may die. plants appearwater-stressed, leaves yellow turn anddrop feeding causesreduced Infested plant vigoranddieback. thus donotproduce honeydew. When abundant, scale scales feed oncontents ofmesophyll cells (notsap), and excrement (honeydew), coating leaves andstems. Armored plant sap.the plant andextracting They excrete asticky into theirstraw-like scalesfeed by mouthpart Soft inserting Symptoms 14 days, dependingonthespecies. areof allscaletypes calledcrawlers, andare mobilefor 2to a smooth,cottony, Newlyhatched nymphs surface. orwaxy inch indiameter, scalesare slightly whilesoft larger andhave recognizable Armored scalesare lessthan1/8 bodypart. to oval, wingless, andlackaseparate headorothereasily to manage. Adults ofmostspeciesscalesare circular scales,and soft witharmored scalesbeingmore difficult growing season. They fallinto two groups: armored scales species year-round, andonherbaceous plants the during that are canbefoundScales immobileinsects onwoody Pest Information SCALES - Lacewings (for scale crawlers; seepage 18) - Lindorusladybeetles melinus- Aphytis (goldenchalcid; for armored scales) - SCALES 39 Scales with circular holes indicate parasitism. holes indicate Scales with circular Lecanium scale is one of the more common outdoor soft outdoor scale common scale is one of the more Lecanium species in Utah. Brown soft scale is a common greenhouse pest, shown here on here shown pest, soft greenhouse scale is a common Brown vine. rooster Black scale is a soft scale with a wide host range, including elephant elephant including a softBlack scale is scale with a wide host range, pomegranate. and palm, pistachio, olive, grape, fuchsia, fig, citrus, ear, SCALES 40 recommended. plants to allow therest to emerge. Three releases weekly are greenhouse. Leave theopencontainer inashadyarea near gently through to dislodgethewasps the whilewalking release, anddonotrelease sun. indirect Tap thecontainer Allow wasps to adjustto ambient temperatures before winters. areas inwhichitisreleased. Wasps cold cannotsurvive scales. The goldenchalcidcanbecome establishedinindoor to see).Parasitized scaleswillalsoeasilyrub off, unlikelive and have around exit hole(requires a10–30xhandlens examining scalecolonies. Parasitized out scaleslookdried at least50%for optimaleffects.Monitor for parasitism by Keep temperatures between 60–85°Fandrelative humidity How to Manage at Aphytis arateRelease of3to 6perft How to Release immediately. notrefrigerate. Do Shipped overnight asadultwasps, andmustbereleased Shipping/Storage round exit hole. Adults live upto 24days. about18days,and after theadultwasp emerges by cuttinga parasitized feeds In scales, onthescalebody, thewasp larva stages ofscales. malescales. and pre-pupae They consume alsodirectly other They target 2ndand3rd instarfemale scalesand2ndinstar coatinglay ofupto asingleeggunderthewaxy 100scales. small, antennae, have andare short yellow incolor. They and outdoor perennial crops, includingorchards. Adults are managing armored scalesingreenhouses, interiorscapes, chalcidisaneconomicalGolden wasp that isusedfor Chalcid Golden Aphytis melinus 2 or5to 10perplant. SCALES 41 wasps are shipped as adults and should be released shipped as adults and should be released are Aphytis wasps immediately. Remove the waxy cover of a parasitized scale to see the flat and see the flat scale to of a parasitized the waxy cover Remove cast skin pellets. and fecal and the parasite’s dead scale, dehydrated wasps lay a single egg beneath the scale cover. cover. the scale a single egg beneath lay Aphytis wasps Female Aphytis is considered Because the larva outside the scale body, feeds an ectoparasite. Pests they Control they Pests (preferred scale red California including scales only, armored scale, oystershell scale, yellow citrus Sanhost), Jose scale, oleander scale and scale, white magnolia SCALES 42 too muchhoneydew scales. from soft tap onthevialto release thebeetles. Lindoruscannothandle or 3to plant foliage 5perplant. Mist before release. Gently eggs scales, andvariousinsect armored andsoft mealybug larvae, Pests they Control are difficult to scout. provide food extra for adults. to Due theirtiny size, Lindorus as theywillfeed onbeetles. Pollen-producing plants will 3weeks.applying once every Keepant populations down, low as40°F. Two to three applications are recommended, humidity, butbeetlesmay intemperatures beactive as Optimal conditions are between 60–87 °F with20–90% How to Manage oninfested directly Release plants at arate of3to 6per10ft How to Release on theday ofreceipt. adultsinvials,Shipped aspre-mated andmustbereleased Shipping/Storage live to 11weeks adult. from larva are predaceous. adultsandlarvae Both The beetlesgenerally dark-bodied andcovered spines. withshorter lay hundreds are ofeggsamong scalecolonies. Larvae Adults blackbodiesandabrown have head, fuzzy and feeds voraciously scalespecies. onbotharmored andsoft isasmall(1.5–3mm)relative ofladybeetlesthat Singular BlackLadyBeetle ( Lindorus lophanthae formerly Rhyzobius lophanthae) 2 , SCALES 43 Larvae feed on eggs and the youngest scale nymphs. Larvae on eggs and the youngest feed beetles have fuzzy black bodies. They can clean up They fuzzy Lindorus beetles have black bodies. Adult soft from scales. but do not like honeydew scale populations, large Lindorus beetles are shipped as pre-fed, pre-mated adults. They They pre-mated shipped as pre-fed, adults. Lindorus beetles are immediately. should be released SPIDER MITES 44 biocontrol mite eggswillshrivel anddie. conditions, the sachetsare If placed the distribution. hot, dry (within theplant), away from andinaneven irrigation, over ofupto aperiod 7weeks. Hangthem inshadyareas the sachetandtheyemerge through anexisting opening prey mites. The mite predatory is ableto reproduce within biocontrol ismixed withaprey mite andafood source for the that allow for continued release mites. ofpredatory The Recent innovations inbiocontrols have introduced options Slow-release sachets indicate ahighpopulation. Webbing found ontheundersidesofdiscolored leaves paper andwatch for specksmoving smalldark onthepaper. spider mites. addition, shakeleaves In over awhite piece of for leafdiscoloration the undersidesofleaves andinspect for by mustbeconducted Monitoring visualinspections. Watch Monitoring Plant growth willdecline. feeding, willappearchlorotic overall withsomedieback. Leavesnon-functional. become stippled, andwithheavy outthecells contents,and sucking causingthemto become feedMites by piercing leafcell walls withtheirmouthparts Symptoms conditions.increase rapidly inhot, dry body wastes. Young mites may lackthespots. Populations two large, visiblespotsthat are anaccumulation dark, of They are oval-shaped, andcream-colored. The bodycontains (20x) to see, andmostlyfeed from theundersidesofleaves. beingmostcommon. two-spotted They require ahandlens There are several speciesofspidermites ingreenhouses, with Pest Information SPIDER MITES Options: Options: - See table on next page tableonnext See SPIDER MITES 45 Beneficial mite sachets are a “breeding environment” containing the containing environment” “breeding a sachets are Beneficial mite the prey. for source and a food mite, a non-pest prey predatory mites, weeks. several over out of the sachet crawl beneficial mites The Spider mites feed by removing chlorophyll from cell contents. This This contents. cell from chlorophyll removing by feed Spider mites in a type of injuryresults stippling. called Two-spotted spider mites are the most common mites occurring in mites the most common are spider mites Two-spotted during feeding. produced dark spots are The greenhouses. SPIDER MITES 46

Biocontrol Options for Spider Mites

Characteristics Andersoni Californicus Fallacis Feltiella Galendromus Persimilis Stethorus

Use at low pest X X X X X density Use at high pest X X density Pollen is an alternate food X X X source

Humidity wide range >60% >40% >50% >30% 60-90% >50%

Temperature 68-77°F 60-80°F 48-100°F 50-98°F 80-110°F 70-85°F 61-90°F

Can use outdoors X X X X X X or in high tunnels SPIDER MITES

47

sachets

X X

Available as as Available

Pesticide resistant resistant Pesticide X

Diapauses in fall in Diapauses X X X X

low humidity low

conditions with with conditions X X X

Use in warm warm in Use

high humidity high

X with conditions X

Use in warm warm in Use

conditions conditions

X X

Use in cool cool in Use

Characteristics Characteristics Andersoni Californicus Fallacis Feltiella Galendromus Persimilis Stethorus Biocontrol Options for Spider Mites, continued Mites, Spider for Options Biocontrol SPIDER MITES 48 approximately 6weeks. along thecrop row (or1sachetpertree). willlast Sachets For sachets, usehooksto hanginshadyareas spacing at 6-ft or blow contents ofthecontainer onto crops nearflowers. will befaster-moving thanpestmites. scouting, useahandlensto lookfor mites thepredatory that by placingoneonayellow for sticky observation. When Forand Stethorus punctillum. sachets, determine mite release with anotherbiocontrol agent. Compatible with P. persimilis temperatures. used preventively Best andincombination isbetter for68–77°F) andhumidities. humidity Higher higher Tolerates awiderange oftemperatures (43–104°F, ideally, How to Manage For shakertubes, release 2to 3mites perft How to Release assoonpossible(donotrefrigerate).Release waterproof for outdoor use)orcardboard tubewithcarrier. areMites shippedinslow-release sachets(someare Shipping/Storage such asvegetables, fruittrees, andornamentals. diapause. Can beusedingreenhouses oronoutdoor crops autumndays mites.other predatory force Short theminto numbers are low, at andisactive cooler temperatures than onpollen.A.andersonishouldbeusedwhenmite survive mites (eggs, nymphs, adults). When prey isabsent, theywill 2 to 3days. immatures Both andadultsfeed onallstagesof the hairsofleaves) inher3-week lifetime. Eggs hatch after mites. Females willlay upto 35eggs(oneat atimeonto They are notreadily distinguishedfrom otherpredatory areMites 1mminsize, beigeincolor, andteardrop-shaped. Predatory Mite andersoni Amblyseius 2 . Gently shake . Gently SPIDER MITES 49 Sachets are a convenient way to release predatory mites. predatory mites. release to way a convenient Sachets are mites do not consume as many spider mites per day as per day spider mites as many do not consume A. andersoni mites persimilis, and their with P. well but they work other predatory mites, establishment. spider mite deter helps to presence mites are beige and pear-shaped. beige and pear-shaped. are A. andersoni mites Pests they Control they Pests cyclamen mite, mite, broad mites, eriophyid mites, spider on pollen thrips; also feed SPIDER MITES 50 weekly forweekly 3weeks. adults to disperse, orspread leaves throughout crop. Release level. Opencontainer andplace itwithinthecrop, allowing two-spotted spidermite,two-spotted mite, carmine European red mite Pests they Control white cocoons ontheundersidesofleaves. amongspidermites, shriveledlarvae blackmites, orthe and/orN.californicuspersimilis for. Scout by the looking between 50–90%. Use incombinationhumidity withP. Feltiella tolerates 50–98°F, but72°Fisoptimum.Keep How to Manage 1toRelease 10midgesperyd How to Release upon arrival. notstore. Do Shipped aspupaeonleaves. adultsmay Some have emerged Shipping/Storage and year-round ongreenhouse crops. preventive measure. Can beusedseasonallyonfieldcrops infestations,should onlybeusedduring andnotasa persist withoutspidermites for sustenance, sothisbiocontrol This midgeiscompatible mites. willnot withpredatory It cocoons alongveins ontheundersides of leaves. 300 mite eggsover of8days. aperiod They pupate inwhite for consumes eggsandmostmite upto stages. Eachlarva are predatory,Only thesmall, larvae orange-brown foraging Females seekoutspidermites to lay shiny, oblongeggs. Adults are 2mminlengthwithpink-brown coloring. Predatory Midge Gall Feltiella acarisuga 2 , dependingoninfestation SPIDER MITES 51 P. such as with beneficial mites, use Feltiella control, the best mite For persimilis or N. californicus. The adult is similar to a tiny gnat, and are usually not seen. Females usually not seen. Females and are gnat, a tiny to adult is similar The colonies. eggs among spider mite lay larvae are tiny, cream- to pink-colored maggots. They eat all eat They maggots. pink-colored to cream- larvae tiny, are Feltiella in particular stages of spider mites, eggs. SPIDER MITES 52 2,000–5,000 peracre for bi-weekly 2to 3applications. foliage toMist prior application. For outdoor crops, release and shakeorblow mites onto foliage ofinfested crops. two-spotted spidermites,two-spotted rustmites, European red mite Pests they Control mitespredatory that willbefaster-moving thanpestmites. greenhouses. When scouting, useahandlensto lookfor the (<30%).Onlyuseonoutdoor cropshumidity orindry preferMites warmtemperatures (80–110°F)andlow How to Manage 2mitesRelease perft How to Release results. notstore. Do Shipped inacorn grit carrier, oronbeanleaves for faster Shipping/Storage go into diapause for thewinter. adults, butnoteggs. Can beusedonoutdoor crops. Mites G. occidentalis feeds onspidermite nymphs primarily and pear-shaped eggsover life thecourse oftheir30-day span. in color from red, yellow, to beige. Females lay around 21 fallacis andN.cucumeris,adultsare pear-shaped, andrange conditions. Similarinappearancedry andlife to N. cycle spider mite predators inthewestern U.S., andtolerates hot, nativeThe western mite predatory isoneoftheprimary Western Predatory Mite ( Galendromus occidentalis formerly Typhlodromus occidentalis) 2 . Softly rotate. Softly thecontainer to mix, SPIDER MITES 53 These mites feed primarily on spider mite nymphs and adults, but and adults, primarily nymphs on spider mite feed mites These dry do best in hot, They and should not be used conditions not eggs. in humid greenhouses. Western predatory mites are primarily sold in containers. are predatory mites Western The western predatory mite is slightly larger than two-spotted larger is slightly predatory mite western The quickly mite among spider and moves is pear-shaped, spider mites, colonies. SPIDER MITES 54 them inhotspotareas. inshadyareas ofthecrop, 6ft sachets every concentrating predatory mitespredatory that willbefaster-moving thanpestmites. card.sticky When scouting, useahand lensto lookfor the sachets, determine mite release by placingoneona yellow released withP. Often or othersmallinsects. . For persimilis however withoutprey by they cansurvive feeding on pollen ronments. They are slower-acting thanothermite predators, orgreater,60% humidity buthandlesmostgreenhouse envi- This mite prefers temperatures between 60and80°F How to Manage infestation) to 20mites perft distribute mites, andshakeorblow at arate of10(low For shakerbottles, gently rotate container to evenly How to Release bottles horizontal) at 55°F upto 5days. material, orslow-release sachets. Can refrigerate (keep Shipped asamixoflife stages inbottlesfilledwithcarrier Shipping/Storage low. Can alsobe used inhightunnelsoroutdoor crops. rate spidermite populations whentwo-spotted aresurvival temperature. Less voracious thanP. persimilis, ithasahigher mite webbing. The life lasts2to 4weeks, cycle dependingon lay upto 43eggsamongpest mites colonies andinspider voracious, feeding on1adultor2eggsperday. Females will for to hunt theirability farandwide for prey, butare not situations. The tiny, clearto paleyellow mites are known iseffectivebelow 60%.It for both preventive andcurative intheabsence ofprey,survive andcantolerate humidity N. californicus isauniquespidermite biocontrol inthat itcan Predatory Mite ( californicus Neoseiulus formerly Amblyseius californicus)Amblyseius 2 (highinfestations). Hang SPIDER MITES 55 When applying mites in shaker bottles, mist foliage first. Female, Female, first. mist foliage in shaker bottles, applying mites When right. at shown are fast-moving mites that range in color from pale from in color range that mites fast-moving are N. californicus peach or pink. smaller than females. to slightly Malescream are Pests they Control they Pests cyclamen mite, two-spotted (primarily), mite spider broad mites eriophyid and other and russet mite, mites will hunt far and wide for mites, and can be used mites, far and wide for will hunt mites N. californicus of prey. the absence on pollen in feed will They outdoors. SPIDER MITES 56 in 60–80release spots. 10,000/acre whenspidermite densitiesare 0.3/leaforhigher, of infestation. orchards In andfieldcrops, release 7,000 to 200 release points. effective Most when released at firstsign mite, russet mites spidermite,two-spotted European red mite, spruce spider Pests they Control of theundersidesleaves. faster-moving thanpestmites. Look for eggsalongtheribs use ahandlensto lookfor mites thepredatory that willbe if given time, especially ifpollenisprovided. When scouting, orgreater.humidity The mites are persistent, andwillspread optimum benefit, useinareas with densecanopy and40% reproduce inawiderange oftemperatures (48–100°F).For N. fallacis mites are resistant to many pesticidesandfeed/ How to Manage thegreenhouse,In release 1to 5mites peryd How to Release not to store, butifneeded, canrefrigerate for onenight. carrier,Shipped inbottleswithadry oronbeanleaves. Best Shipping/Storage crops, andhightunnels. They overwinter inmostany area. in many situations includinginteriorscapes, orchards, field over thecourse lifespan. oftheir20-to 60-day Can beused small andpear-shaped. Females lay anaverage of50eggs both preventive andcurative situations. Adult mites are temperatures mites. iseffective thanotherpredatory It for conditions, andalsoreproduces inhot, dry survive inlower N. fallacis isavoracious, generalist mite predator that can Predatory Mite ( fallacis Neoseiulus formerly fallacis) Amblyseius 2 , using150– SPIDER MITES 57 mites can be released outdoors, in orchards or field crops. or field crops. in orchards outdoors, can be released mites N. fallacis cover to source a food Some suppliers sell them on beans containing in shipment. the time spent mites are almost indistinguishable from other Neoseiulus almost indistinguishable from are mites N. fallacis can be used preventively that predators voracious are They species. or curatively. SPIDER MITES 58 Release weekly for weekly Release 3weeks. the crop area for 24hoursto besure allmites have dispersed. tap themites outonto plant foliage. Leave container openin mites evenly. Openthecontainer inthecrop area andgently before release. rotate Gently thebottleorvial to distribute specializes on two-spotted spidermitesspecializes ontwo-spotted Pests they Control californicus. Newinfestations willrequire anewrelease. to decimate spidermite populations. Can beused withN. shriveled spidermites. P. requires persimilis 2to 3 weeks by scouting for thefast-moving predators amongblack, temperatures orlow humidity. Monitor for effectiveness best onlow growing plants, anddonottolerate high (tolerates 60–90°F)and60–90% humidity. perform Mites Ideal conditions are temperatures between 70–85°F How to Manage approximatelyRelease 6–50mites peryd How to Release hours. Allow mites to warmupfor 2hoursbefore release. source. notstore Do mites incold storage for more than8 vermiculite, oronbeanleaves, withalllife stagesplusafood are suchas Mites shippedinvialsorbottleswithacarrier Shipping/Storage adults. Notgoodfor hightunnels. lifespan isapproximately 8days asimmatures, and36days as lay upto 60eggswithinspider mite concentrations. Their causes spidermites to reduce egg-laying. Eachfemale will reproduce faster thanspidermites. Their mere presence requires multiplereleases. They feed onallmite stagesand This vibrant withoutprey orange mite and cannotsurvive isanaggressivepersimilis predator andquite economical. A mainstay for spidermite management ingreenhouses, P. Predatory Mite Phytoseiulus persimilis 2 . Mist foliage. Mist SPIDER MITES 59 This mite is able to sense odors (kairomones) to locate prey. When When prey. sense odors (kairomones) locate is able to to mite This activity their search intensifies. webbing, spider mite they encounter Each female mite lays up to 53 eggs in its lifetime, while two-spotted 53 eggs in its lifetime, up to lays mite Each female 38 eggs. up to lay females spider mite mites are red, and slightly larger than prey mites. prey than larger and slightly red, are persimilis mites P. Adult SPIDER MITES 60 500 peracre. for Repeat weekly 4weeks. two-spotted spidermite two-spotted Pests they Control but slower to establishthanotherspidermite predators. to throw outleaves are withpupaeonthem.Beetles mobile, should bepresent areas. inthemite-infested careful Be not leaves. Two thefirstintroductions, months after allstages monitoring, lookfor ontheundersidesof smallgray larvae miteswith predatory (N.fallacis orP. When ). persimilis Ideal temperatures are between 61–90°F. whenused Best How to Manage 100perhotspot, or1toRelease 4beetlesperyd How to Release not store. material.Shipped inbottlescontaining Do adultsinpacking Shipping/Storage economically feasible. Stethorus isexpensive, andshouldonlybeusedwhen stages feed onspidermites their14–20day during lifespan. legs, andmay eat atotal of240mites before pupating. All life 2 years. are slow-moving Larvae andgray withconspicuous egg-laying. They lay 3to 13eggsperday andmay live upto spider mites (of any life stage)perday to initiate andsustain brownand dark to blackincolor. Females musteat 20to 40 densities ofspidermites. Adults are tiny andoval shaped, Related to ladybeetles, targets Stethorus punctillum high Spider mite destroyer Stethorus punctillum 2 , or200to SPIDER MITES 61 beetles are tiny and black in color. Adults and larvae and Adults feed color. and black in tiny beetles are Stethorus on all stages of spider mites. can consume 75 to 100 mites per day and mature and mature per day 100 mites 75 to can consume Stethorus Adult per day. larvae 75 mites up to can devour adults and larvae can be found feeding on spider mites in a on spider mites adults and larvaeStethorus feeding can be found and strawberry fields. including fruit orchards variety of crops THRIPS 62 control. The mites predatory are mixed withaprey mite that allow for continued release mites ofpredatory for thrips Resent innovations inbiocontrols have introduced options Slow-Release Sachets activity. thrips theearliest candetect 30 ft, petunia placed every check for population sizes. Indicator plants, like'Carpet Blue' existing crop, shakeflowers orleaves over awhite card to for symptoms. once looking the aweek, inspections In onthecards.will bethesmallestinsects visual Conduct blueoryellow cardsSet inthecrop early sticky cycle. Thrips Monitoring at thefeeding sites. appearance. sign Acharacteristic isblackspots of excrement Tissue in canhave spots, orappearsilvery bleached-looking out thejuices. flowers Both andleaves canshow symptoms. Adults feed by scraping plant cells, and piercing/sucking Symptoms tomato spotted wiltvirus. vector viruses, includingimpatiens necrotic spotvirus, and ornamentals andvegetables. Adult western flower can thrips undersides ofleaves). Thrips have awidehostrange ofmany pupate inthesoil (except Echinothrips, whichpupates onthe areor young cream-colored fruit. andworm-like Larvae and wings.fringed They lay upto 250eggsonblossoms, leaves, Adults are small(2mmlong)with slenderbrown bodiesand (Thrips) andEchinothrips fuscipennis americanus. species whichsometimesoccur are therose (cereal) thrips greenhouse crops, especiallyincucumber. damaging Other (Frankliniella occidentalis) are amajorproblem inmany ()andwesternOnion thrips flower thrips Pest Information THRIPS THRIPS 63 - Orius cucumeris (cucumeris is cheaper) Neoseiulus plus - N. cucumeris expensive) - Amblyseius but more swirskii (effective scimitus - Stratiolaelaps - Nematodes Thrips larvae are sometimes mistaken for maggots, due to their due to maggots, larvaeThrips sometimes mistaken for are body and movement. worm-like Thrips feed by scraping plant cells, and then sucking their juices. This This and then sucking their juices. cells, plant scraping by feed Thrips of Black drops foliage. and on flowers behind bleached areas leaves characteristic. are within the bleached areas excrement Options (in order of effectiveness): Options (in order and a food source for the prey mites. The predatory mite is predatory mite The mites. the prey for source food and a emerge slowly and will the sachet within reproduce able to 7 weeks. period a up to of over opening existing an through irrigation and hung in from Sachets be protected should the crop. throughout spaced evenly shady areas, THRIPS 64 avoid areas withspidermite webbing of spidermites by feeding on eggs andimmatures, butthey whitefly larvae, thrips nymphs andeggs;slight suppression Pests they Control cucumeris isnotasactive. controlseason thrips whentemperatures are higherandN. release by placing one on a yellow card. sticky Useful for later fast-moving mites. predatory For sachets, determine mite foliage over white paperandexamine for presence ofthe work well inmostcrops except tomatoes. To monitor, tap They may eat eggsofP. They . orAphidoletes persimilis at 70%. humidity They become at inactive 59°Fandbelow. areMites mosteffective at temperatures of77–82°Fand How to Manage sachets inshadyareas andleave themfor 6weeks. infested other week plants. asneeded. every Release Hang before release. orblow material onto Sprinkle leaves of andcrop.bottle orsachettype For bottles, rotate gently supplierforSee specific release rates, dependingonshaker How to Release Store for upto 2days receipt after at 50–60°F. an alternate food source. within2days Release ofreceipt. slow-release sachets. bottlesandsachetsalsocontain Both andadultsareNymphs shippedinbottlesorcontinuous or Shipping/Storage 1 to 4eggs perday. perday.They eat 5to larvae 6thrips readily distinguished from mites. otherpredatory Adults lay pear-shaped bodiesthat are 0.5mminlength. They are not diet. the color of theirprimary They have non-segmented, mites areSwirski paleyellow incolor ortheymay takeon Predatory Mite swirskii Amblyseius THRIPS 65 Mites are pale yellow and pear-shaped. Each individual may eat up eat Each individual may and pear-shaped. pale yellow Mites are per day. 6 thrips larvae,to eggs, or 20 whitefly Swirski mites seek out thrips, which may occur along leaf veins. occur may which Swirski thrips, seek out mites THRIPS 66 eriophyid mites young thripslarvae (primarily),spiderandcyclamen mites, Pests theyControl sticky card.CanbeusedwithOrius forthripsknockdown. Determine mitereleasebyplacing onesachetonayellow below 55°Forabove88°F.Keep sachetsawayfromirrigation. 66–80°F andmorethan65%humidity. Theywillnotdevelop Mites willperformoptimallyattemperaturesbetween How toManage sachets inshadyareasandleavethemfor6weeks. infested plants.Releaseeveryotherweekasneeded.Hang before release.Sprinkleorblowmaterialonleavesof bottle orsachettypeandcrop.Forbottles,rotategently See supplierforspecificreleaserates,dependingonshaker How toRelease an alternatefoodsource.Releaseimmediately. slow-release sachets.Bothbottlesandsachetsalsocontain Nymphs andadultsareshippedinbottlesorcontinuous Shipping/Storage be usedinhightunnels,andreleasedyear-round. inexpensive option that eat up to 6 thrips larvae per day. Can causing upto30%reducedfeedingandlifespan.Theyarean first-instar thripslarvae,theirpresencedistressesolder these mitesarepredaceous,andthoughtheyonlyfeedon among thripspopulationsintheirlifetime.Alllifestagesof from otherpredatorymites.Femaleswilllayupto35eggs clear whitetoyellow,buttheyarenotreadilydistinguished on pollenorotherinsectandmitepests.Thesetinymitesare on thrips.Itcanbeusedpreventivelybecauseitsurvive Cucumeris isageneralistpredatorymitethatveryeffective Predatory Mite ( cucumeris Neoseiulus formerly Amblyseius cucumeris) Amblyseius THRIPS 67 Before distributing mites from shaker bottles, mist foliage to keep to mist foliage shaker bottles, from distributing mites Before on the foliage. material Cucumeris mites primarily feed on young thrips larvae, on young but can also primarily mites feed Cucumeris mites. spider target species, mites can also eat pollen. can also eat mites Like other Neoseiulus species, THRIPS 68 yd thrips (primarily), aphids, (primarily), spidermites,thrips eggs Pests they Control Can beusedwithCucumeris mites. shorter, butthisisprevented withsupplemental lighting. flowered plants. godormant inautumnwhendays Orius are growerspage 84.Other may supplyalyssum orothersmall- maintaining bankerplants suchasornamental pepper. See populations inadvanceestablish Orius ofthecrop by toAdults Many survive. growers alsoneedpollenandnectar lays60%. Orius eggsonsideshoots, soprunebefore release. Keep temperatures between 60–80°F, above andhumidity How to Manage uptoRelease 1peryd How to Release athours inthedark 47–50°F. carrier.in shakerbottleswithabuckwheat Can store upto 18 Usually shipped asadults, ofadultsandnymphs, oramixture Shipping/Storage course of 7weeks. Noteffective on tomatoes. Females lay upto 130eggsintheirlifespan, usuallyover the and white wings. are Nymphs yellow-orange to brown. Adults are 2mminlengthandare oval-shaped withblack banker plants to improve economic feasibility (seepage84). are severe, butwhenenoughprey isavailable. Use with and effective, sotheyshouldbe released before infestations adult thrips. They takeupto 8weeks to become established predators, anditistheonlybiocontrol agent that feeds on pirateMinute bugadultsandnymphs are generalist PirateMinute Bug Orius directly ontodirectly infested plants. predators before openingthelid. tapoutthebugs Gently 2 at hotspots. rotate Gently thebottleto evenly distribute spp. 2 at sundown, orconcentrate 10per THRIPS 69 Nymphs are oval-shaped and cream-to-red colored. and cream-to-red oval-shaped Nymphs are Minute pirate bug adults are black with white markings black with white are bug adults on wings. Minute pirate also Adults 130 eggs. up to laying about 7 weeks, for live Females nectar pollen and survive. to require Minute pirate bugs also feed on spider mites and insect on spider mites eggs. bugs also feed Minute pirate THRIPS 70 with thesecond application 2to 3weeks thefirst. after two applications10 pertrap Release percrop perweek. cycle curative. are Mites mosteffective are whenthrips lessthan soil stagesofthrips, fungusgnat larvae Pests they Control nematodes. only provide 30%control ofthrips. Compatible withBtand food. Although thesemites live upto 8weeks, theymay keep soilmoistbutnottoo wet. Can live 7days without notletgreenhouseDo temperatures drop below 60°Fand How to Manage atRelease 10mites perft How to Release but canbestored at 50–60°Ffor about2days. before planting. They shouldbereleased assoonreceived, vermiculite withprey carrier mites. Can mixinto media Shipped inshakertubescontaining alllife stagesina Shipping/Storage container sizes. choice as asupplemental preventive control optionfor all They spendtheirentire life insoilmedia.Excellent cycle in length,andtancolor withashieldshapeontheirbacks. andmites.small insects Adults are minute, lessthan1mm andpupae),other dwelling stages (mature thrips larvae Stratiolaelaps mite whichfeeds isasoil-dwelling onthesoil- Predatory Mite Soil-dwelling ( S for tratiolaelaps scimitus tratiolaelaps scimitus Hypoaspis miles) merly Hypoaspis 2 aspreventive, or30perft 2 as THRIPS 71 Mites are sold in all life stages in shaker tubes with a vermiculite stages in shaker tubes with a vermiculite sold in all life Mites are the surface directly onto of Shake contents food. carrier and prey potting soil in small piles. Mites spend their entire life cycle in soil media. They can survive They for cycle in soil media. life Mites spend their entire without food. 7 days up to is mite that targets thrips and fungus gnats in the soil. in the soil. thrips and fungus gnats targets that is mite Stratiolaelaps a darker shield-shape on their backs. have Adults THRIPS 72 nematodes. and release at sunsetto provide maximumshadefor the water source continuously. sunlight, notapplyindirect Do from sprayers before applying, andshakethenematode- orinwateringapplied inirrigation cans. Remove filters fungus gnats, fruitflies, fleabeetles, shore flies (suppressionthrips onlyasfeeding islimited to soilstages), Pests they Control yellow traps to determine orbluesticky efficacy. temperature isabove 85°F. populations Monitor thrips with following ifsoilsurface application. Nematodes canbekilled Ensure that thecrop remains wet for at least2hours How to Manage As afoliar spray, apply50millionper1,000ft How to Release (may needice packs),orlet the nematodes warm first. storage, makesure themixwater isasimilartemperature the storage temperature constant. When mixingfrom months. sure Make notto freeze andto thepackage, keep however, nematodes may berefrigerated at 40°Ffor several unitseach.Immediate releasemillion active isideal; Shipped inawettable clay powder whichholdsseveral Shipping/Storage and feeding onthecontents. theirprey bykill entering thebodythrough natural openings hunters,active inthetop occurring 3inchesof thesoil. They they onlyfeed onpupaeinthesoil. They are economical and the soil. Nematodes are notastandaloneoptionfor thrips, as S. feltiaeare microscopic, worm-like parasites that occur in NematodeBeneficial Steinernema feltiae 2 . Can also be THRIPS 73 Nematodes kill their prey by entering the host through natural natural the host through entering kill by Nematodes their prey and bacteria the host contents, liquefy release to They openings. material. the resulting then consume Nematodes are microscopic parasites that occur in the soil or other occur that parasites microscopic are Nematodes with of species of nematodes, hundreds are There moist areas. on other feed species A few on dead matter. most of them feeding against soil- greenhouse in the highly effective insects., and are pests. dwelling WHITEFLIES 74 Options (inorderOptions ofeffectiveness) growthusing insect regulators orbiological control agents. eggplant) to assesstreatment effectiveness, especiallyif susceptible crops. Use indicator plants (for example, Hang yellow traps at throughout regular sticky intervals forinspections theflat nymphs onthe undersidesofleaves. fuchsia, beddingplants, andtomatoes). visual Conduct onsensitive crops (poinsettia,chrysanthemum, particularly andregularEarly monitoring ofwhitefly isessential, Monitoring covered moldthat grows sooty withblack, onhoneydew. Whiteflies excrete honeydew, causingleaves or to besticky drop. Feeding ordiscoloration. cancauseplant distortion populations cancauseleaves to yellow, turn appeardry, or suck sapfrom phloem onplant stems andleaves. Large Whiteflies usetheirpiercing, to straw-like mouthparts Symptoms developWhiteflies canquickly resistance to insecticides. of pupation. Adults emerge through a T-shaped opening. to 3weeks, andthenremain ontheleaffor anotherweek immobile, flat, andtranslucent. They feed inplace for up leaves. resemble Nymphs scalecrawlers inthat theyare Females lay upto 250oblongeggsontheundersidesof species are greenhouse whitefly andsilverleaf whitefly. yellowish bodiesandwhite wings. The two mostcommon Whiteflies are related to aphidsandscale. Adults have Pest Information WHITEFLIES ladybeetles - Delphastus mites swirskii - Amblyseius - Encarsia orEretmocerus parasitic wasp WHITEFLIES 75 Heavy populations cause leaves to turn yellow and drop. turn yellow to cause leaves Heavy populations Whitefly eggs are either laid randomly, or in a circular pattern. pattern. or in a circular randomly, either laid eggs are Whitefly and immobile. flat Nymphs are Adult whiteflies emerge from pupae through a T-shaped opening. a pupae through from emerge whiteflies Adult Greenhouse whiteflies (left) whiteflies their backs while on wings flat hold their Greenhouse sides of their to the wings closer hold their (right) whiteflies silverleaf color. in yellow brighter also are whiteflies Silverleaf bodies. WHITEFLIES 76 leaves ofinfested plants. avoid areas withspidermite webbing of spidermites by feeding on eggs andimmatures, butthey whitefly slight suppressionnymphs andeggs, larvae; thrips Pests they Control temperatures are higherand N.cucumerisisnotasactive. card.sticky Useful for later control seasonthrips when sachets, determine mite release by placing oneonayellow examine for presence offaster-moving mites. predatory For . Aphidoletes To monitor, tapfoliage over white paperand at 70%. humidity They may eat eggsofP. or persimilis areMites mosteffective at temperatures of77–82°Fand How to Manage Shake orblow contents at arate ofabout10mites perft plants. For shakers, roll container gently before release. Hang sachetsinshadyareas, spaced evenly through infested How to Release receipt. Store for upto 2days receipt after at 50–60°F. contain analternate food source. within2days Release of or slow-release papersachets. bottlesandsachetsalso Both andadultsareNymphs shippedinbottlesorcontinuous Shipping/Storage tomatoes. nymphs perday. work Mites well inmostcrops except 4 eggsperday. They eat upto 20whitefly eggsand young distinguished from mites. other predatory Adults lay 1to bodies that are 0.5mminlength. They are notreadily diet. their primary They have non-segmented, pear-shaped Usually pale yellow incolor ortheymay takeonthecolor of Predatory Mite swirskii Amblyseius 2 on WHITEFLIES 77 Mites may consume up to 20 whitefly eggs or young whitefly young whitefly eggs or 20 whitefly up to consume Mites may per day. nymphs mites are pale yellow in color, and pear-shaped. They may may They and pear-shaped. in color, pale yellow A. swirskii are mites primary of their take on the color diet. WHITEFLIES 78 in morning orevening.in morning from containers. Focus onhighlyinfested areas, andrelease spider mites aphids, whitefly eggsand silverleaf), nymphs (primarily Pests they Control within whitefly populations within4 weeks of release. temperaturesMaintain between 61–90°F. Scoutfor larvae How to Manage per 100ft Lightly mistfoliage before release. at Release arate of1to 2 How to Release refrigerate upto 12hours. orprotective media.May Shipped asadultsinaninert Shipping/Storage they canbeusedyear-round. without awhitefly food source. They donotdiapause, so and 700nymphs itslifetime. during They willnotsurvive canconsume uptoA singleDelphastus 10,000whitefly eggs to avoid parasitized whiteflies. withEncarsiain conjunction andEretmocerus astheyare able colored, elongated, andcovered infinehairs. They work well heads, whilemalesare incolor. darker are cream- Larvae on whitefly eggs and nymphs. Females have reddish yellow suited for highwhiteflyfeed densities.Both adultsandlarvae isasmall, brown dark Delphastus ladybeetleparticularly Predatory Beetle catalinaeDelphastus 2 (or10perrelease beetles point), by gently shaking WHITEFLIES 79 The beetles are most often shipped as adults with protective strips of most often protective shipped as adults with beetles are The release. to tap them out Lightly paper. works best on silverleaf Delphastus best on silverleaf Larvae works cream-colored. are wasp biocontrols. with the parasitoid compatible and is whitefly, adults are tiny, dark brown beetles. They need to feed on feed need to They beetles. dark brown Delphastus tiny, adults are will starve. or they whiteflies, WHITEFLIES 80 allow allwasps to emerge. infestation aspossible. Leave for aminimumof10days to below the tops ofplants to provide shade, andascloseto the greenhouse whitefly larvae (primarily) and silverleaf whiteflygreenhouse (primarily) whitefly larvae Pests they Control and parasitoid emergence isround. greenhouse. Whitefly emergence from pupaeis T-shaped, within 2to 3weeks ofrelease), andleave theminthe to identify theblack-colored parasitized whiteflies (visible large whitefly populations. Wasps are easy to scout. Learn pyrethroids. Encarsia doesnotlikehoneydew formed in below 62°F. They are tolerant ofmany except insecticides, orless.70% humidity Wasps willnotfly at temperatures Encarsia are mosteffective at temperatures of64–77°Fand How to Manage release 3peryd Encarsia cards evenly throughout plants. For prevention, At thefirstsign ofwhitefly, orasa preventive measure, hang How to Release uptodark 2days at 50°F. pupae intubes. nottouch Do thepupae. Can store inthe orindividualcards.perforated shippedasloose Sometimes Primarily shippedasparasitized whitefly pupaestuck to Shipping/Storage brown whitefly pupathrough acircular hole. pupates. The adultwasp eventually emerges from theblack- on thewhitefly contents,killing it by thetimewhitefly up to 200 whitefly nymphs. The developingfeeds wasp larva common, andlive upto amonth. They lay singleeggsinside head andthorax andyellow abdomen. Females are most Adults are muchsmallerthanwhiteflies, withablack Parasitic Wasp Encarsia formosa 2 , andfor curative, 9peryd 2 . Place cards WHITEFLIES 81 (primarily) and greenhouse whitefly (primarily)greenhouse whitefly and silverleaf Pests they Control they Pests How to Manage to How is between temperature when the release best results, For of pesti- tolerant is more Eretmocerus Although 70–95°F. weekly until Introduce release. before do not spray cides, all of Leave parasitized. pupae are least 80% of whitefly at greenhouse. in the whiteflies parasitized the brown-colored and parasitoid T-shaped, pupae is from emergence Whitefly is round. emergence How to Release to How evenly throughout hang cards of whiteflies, first sign the At shade. provide to of plants the tops below them Place plants. as cards and place the mummies on the cards, Do not touch a minimum of for Leave as possible. the infestation close to emerge. to all wasps allow to 10 days Shipping/Storage to pupae stuck whitefly shipped as parasitized Primarily Sometimes loose shipped as perforated cards. or individual the in store Can the pupae. Do not touch pupae in tubes. 50°F. at 2 days dark up to is most effective against silverleaf whitefly. whitefly. against silverleaf is most effective Eretmocerus antennae. black with drooping wasps yellow tiny are Adults 150 the body of up to a single egg underneath lay Females wasp larva the After hatching, nymphs. whitefly young burrows nymph and of the whitefly the underside to attaches brown. to larvae yellow-tan are Parasitized feed. inside to pupa the dead whitefly from emerge adults 12 days, After a perfect through hole. circular Eretmocerus eremicus Eretmocerus Wasp Parasitic WHITEFLIES 82 This parasitoid targets thesilverleaf whitefly. beige incolor whilehealthy whitefly pupaeare white orpale yellow. Whitefly pupaethat have beenparasitized by Eretmocerus appear forms apupalcaseforskin thedeveloping wasp. blackaboutoneweek turn beingparasitized, after Nymphs andtheir biocontrolEncarsia isthemostimportant ofgreenhouse whitefly. Whitefly parasitoids are soldaspupae stuck to cards. WHITEFLIES 83 Encarsia Parasitized Parasitized pupa darkens Adult Adult Encarsia Female wasp lays single egg lays wasp Female nymph inside whitefly Adult Adult whitefly Eggs Crawlers

Pupa Nymphs Whitefly Life Cycle of Whitefly versus Parasitoid Wasp Parasitoid versus Whitefly of Cycle Life are are by Encarsia nymphs parasitized whitefly greenhouse black The aid of a hand lens. without the undersides of leaves spot on easy to BANKER PLANTS 84 not successful inoutdoor situations. maintained andreplaced whenneeded. Bankerplants are be sprayed andplants withaninsecticide, willneedto be beneficial andpestinsects. The bankerplants shouldnever Using banker plants requires diligent scouting for boththe and potato aphids. againstfoxgloveagainst peachandmelonaphids, andA.ervi thrips, andfor theparasitoid wasps, colemani Aphidius commonly usedfor theminute pirate) against bug(Orius repeated introductions. Currently, bankerplant systems are They provide alternate food orprey, reducing theneed for control agents, asan essentially acting “open rearing system”. biological Banker plants helpto establish andsustaincertain have found that Purple Flash yieldshigherpopulations of thrips. standard, Black Pearl butsomestudies istheindustry and Purple Flash, are highlyattractive toand bothOrius BlackPearlhas shown that ornamental peppers, inparticular build areproducing population inthegreenhouse. Research adults alsofeed onpollen, providing flowers helpsthem to The downside are isthat Orius expensive. Butbecausethe control,thrips buttheyalsofeed onspidermites andaphids. pirateMinute spp.) bugs(Orius are released for primarily Ornamental Pepper for Pirate Minute Bug hanger baskets. growers Some fruitsform. sellthe plants after Pepper bankerplants canbeplaced amongthecrop, orhungin USING BANKER PLANTS BANKER PLANTS 85 of 2 . 2 flowers, providing additional food. additional providing flowers, - Thrips may also be attracted to the pepper plant the pepper plant to also be attracted may Thrips - readily available readily pepper plants. Nymphs will develop into adults into Nymphs will develop pepper plants. source. using pollen as the food about 3 to usually thrips, and target the greenhouse later. 4 weeks do not enter diapause, but is not as but is not as diapause, do not enter laevigatus - O. a. The adults will feed on pollen, and lay eggs on the on pollen, and lay adults will feed The a. of Orius will fan out across generation second The b. Some growers use approximately 1 plant per 1,000 ft 1 plant use approximately Some growers minute pirate bugs become less effective as less effective bugs become pirate minute F 65° dip below temperatures in a established become to 10 weeks 8 to they can take greenhouse diapause (winter bugs go into pirate most minute inactivity) length is shorter the day when than 11 to light); with supplemental 13 hours (can be prevented under February as early as late Orius can be introduced conditions day-length natural growing area while others use 1 plant per 4,000 ft while others use 1 plant area growing Start least at peppers in the greenhouse ornamental they that so introduction, the crop before months two March for example, For bloom when needed. in are January. to production, start November from plants baskets if desired. hanging to Transplant they can be hung above blooming, peppers are When on the benches. or placed the crop is greenhouse- peppers of Orius onto Release rate some and crop-dependent, require and may Rates vary 60 per pepper experimentation. 10 to from should be necessary. Only one release plant. 1. • • • 2. 3. 4. Instructions and Rates but of pepper banker plants, rates no definitive are There as follows: guidelines are general Challenges nymphs and adults due to the cultivar’s egg-laying suitability egg-laying cultivar’s the to adults due and nymphs is Flash Purple survival and development and the nymphs. of flowers. more compact and produces also more BANKER PLANTS 86 parasitoids, colemani including Aphidius (whichalsoattacks wheat work best). aphid isfood forThe aphid bird cherry-oat padi ) reared(Rhopalosiphum onagrain plant or (barley alone. aphid Bankerplants for aphidsusethebird cherry-oat for lessmoneythangreenhouses usingparasitoid releases greenhouses usingbankerplants have better aphidcontrol For aphidcontrol viaparasitoids, research hasshown that Cereal Plants for Aphid Parasitoids crops. gerbera, alstroemeria, ofspring snapdragon, andavariety African violets,cyclamen, bothcutandpotted mumsand This system ofcrops hasbeenusedwithavariety including 6. 5. on both larvae andadults. on bothlarvae feed whiletheOrius youngest larvae, (1stinstar) thrips throughout the greenhouse. The mites feed onthe this system, sometimesonthebankerplants alone, or N. cucumerismites may berelease incombination with b. greenhouse Some operations selltheornamental a. soanalternative This taskcanbetime-consuming, keep themfrom flowering. Remove pepperfruitsfrom theplants once permothto pepper hanging baskets. replace olderplants whenneeded. two months and newpepperplants every is to start BANKER PLANTS 87 . Optimal rates have not been fully studied; have . Optimal rates 2 each 8- or 10-inch pot, and spread barely seed onto seed onto barely spread and each 8- or 10-inch pot, soil. bare the remaining one) or or purchase own (build your a caged area hairnets. each pot with two cover b. Label the plants, “Week 1”, and place all plants into into all plants and place 1”, “Week Label the plants, b. a. When starter plants arrive, plant a single plug into a single plug into plant starterWhen arrive, plants a. Order aphid banker starter plants six weeks before aphid banker starter before Order six weeks plants barley seed. purchase Also starting this process. plan on grow, to of banker plants number determine To or 1 plant 8- or 10-inch pots per greenhouse, least two at per 1,000 ft (plus A. ervi 500 A. colemani if for Set up an order be species of aphids) to multiple have you think you the first with 4 weeks, 3 to for each week delivered start after you the week arrive to the first shipment plants. adjust in future years as needed. years adjust in future 1. 2. 3. Instructions and Rates Banker “Aphid as described in guidelines, Banker plant by Guide”, Step by Step IPM, Greenhouse for System Plant and Biobest USA: Entomology Vermont of University Research has shown that barley is the most effective host as host as barley is the most effective that has shown Research plants supply of aphid-infested A rotating the banker plant. the generate To cycle. growing the crop's for is required plants” “starter start this production with growers bankers, moved are banker plants The purchase. to available are that into introduced with two on a schedule, the greenhouse into week, plants to the first and then one two each greenhouse effective are Plants mid-summer. until each week introduced very with 10 weeks maintenance. little for The aphid banker plant method is not recommended method is not recommended plant aphid banker The lilies, such as Easter monocots, growing greenhouses for corn. sweet and palms, irises, orchids, grasses, ornamental green peach and melon aphids) and A. ervi aphids) and melon peach and green attacks (which cherry-oat bird The aphid only aphids). and potato foxglove into not move and will etc.) (grasses, species monocot attacks crop. greenhouse the non-monocot BANKER PLANTS 88 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. weeks later). to dieoff (usually10 Remove oldplants whentheystart tobanker plants oldplants next inthegreenhouse. forRepeat step 7weekly theremaining pots. Place new parasitoids for continued release. There shouldbeenoughmummies andemerging greenhouse inhanging basketsoramongstthecrop. andplaceout ofthecages/hairnets themaround the Four the weeks starting after “week 1” pots, takethem sure that eachweek ofplants islabeledandseparated. Repeat steps 4to 5eachweek until mid-July, making week before (suchasthe “week 1” plants). 100waspsRelease onto the eachpotthat was started “Week 2” plants: preparestarted, the plants are Seven days after b. Space plants at 60feet apart. onthebankerplantsa. Use irrigation soasto drip not b. As sprouts, thebarley itbecomes infested with a. Cut someof wash offtheaphidsor wasps. aphids from thecutpieces. cage orunderhairnets. into anew Place plants in newpots. seeds barley newly sown on top of the and lay them weeks’ plants the prior blades from infested grass the aphid- RESOURCES & IMAGE CREDITS 89 Westlake Village, Village, California Westlake rinconvitova.com tiptopbiocontrol.com koppert.com aphid banker plants ipmlabs.com biconet.com greenmethods.com appliedbio-nomics.com NOTE: This is not a comprehensive list of available list of available a comprehensive is not This NOTE: suppliers. of listed suppliers nor an endorsement Tip Top Biocontrol, Top Tip Ventura, California Ventura, Rincon-Vitova, Romulus, Minnesota Koppert Romulus, Inc., Locke, Locke, Labs, New York IPM Redding, California Redding, Beneficial Insectary, Network, Tennessee Brentwood, BioControl Victoria, B.C., Canada Bio-nomics, B.C., Victoria, Applied Beneficial Pest Suppliers Beneficial RESOURCES RESOURCES & IMAGE CREDITS 90 some suggestions to getstarted. NOTE: This isnotalistofallresources available, butsimply Resources:Online RESOURCES Pesticide Side-Effects Guide Pesticide Side-Effects Products Grower Assurance Quality Guide: ofBiocontrol Biocontrols Greenhouse IPM withanEmphasison Manual Control/OrganicBiological Information, UMass managementtheir useinpest to naturalintroduction beneficial enemiesand ControlBiological An andMites: ofInsects America North Control:Biological to AGuide Natural Enemiesof Association ofNatural Biocontrol Producers biobestgroup.com/en/side-effect-manual Vineland Research andInnovation Centre, online pdf Penn State onlinepdf Extension, learningstore.uwex.edu University of Wisconsin onlinepdf Extension, biocontrol.entomology.cornell.edu Cornell University, website guide anbp.org RESOURCES & IMAGE CREDITS 91 Photo 3: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, University, State Colorado Cranshaw, Whitney 3: Photo bugwood.org 6: farms.com Photo Photo 1: ecobest.es Photo 2: ephytia.inra.fr Photo Photos 1 and 2: David Cappaert,2: David 1 and bugwood.org Photos Photo 1: ecobest.es Photo 2: INRA Chaubet Bernard Photo University McLaughlin, Drexel 3: Pat Photo Photo 1: Evergreen Growers Growers 1: Evergreen Photo 1: schlegelgreenhouse.com Photo 3: fotocommunity.es Photo Photo 1: www.pirlot.pro Photo 2: gipcitricos.via.es Photo University, State Colorado Cranshaw, Whitney 3: Photo bugwood.org Photo 1: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, University, State Colorado Cranshaw, Whitney 1: Photo bugwood.org Cappaert, 2: David bugwood.org Photo University, State Colorado Cranshaw, Whitney 3: Photo bugwood.org Photo 1: David Cappaert, 1: David bugwood.org Photo 2: Sesil Corporation Photo 3: greenhouseipm.org Photo Photo 1: pbase.com Photo 2: Sesil Corporation Photo Photo 1: pbase.com Photo 3: db.nyfvi.org Photo • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Pages 3 to 4 – Aphids 3 to Pages IMAGE CREDITS IMAGE Page 9 – Aphelinus abdominalis Page Page 11 – Aphidius colemani Page Page 13 – Aphidius erviPage Page 15 – Aphidius matricariae Page Page 17 – Aphidoletes aphidimyza Page Page 23 – Fungus Gnats 23 – Fungus Page Page 25 – Dalotia coriaria Page Stratiolaelaps scimitus 27 – Stratiolaelaps Page Steinernema feltiae 29 – Steinernema Page RESOURCES & IMAGE CREDITS 92 Page 55–Neoseiuluscalifornicus Page 53–Galendromus occidentalis Page 51–Feltiella acarisuga Page andersoni 49–Amblyseius Page 43–Lindoruslophanthae Page melinus 41–Aphytis Page 37–Leptomastix dactylopii Page montrouzieri 35–Cryptolaemus Page pseudococci 33–Anagyrus Page 31–Mealybugs • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo 4:.com Photo Loxton, 2:Biological Services, Australia Photo 1:Instituto Valenciano deInvestigaciones Agrarias Photo 2: Andermatt Biogarten AGPhoto 2:Andermatt Biogarten bugwood.org Photo 3: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Biological SystemsPhoto 2:Koppert Photo 1:Ecobest Photo 2:moshkin.club Photo 1:phytoseiidae.com Photo 2:Instituto Valenciano deInvestigaciones Agrarias Photo 1:U.S. Forest Service Photo 3: Azienda AgricolaPhoto 3:Azienda Biologica Borsellino Photo 2:Instituto Valenciano deInvestigaciones Agrarias Photo 1:Instituto Valenciano deInvestigaciones Agrarias Photo 3:Entocare Wageningen Photo 2:Entocare Wageningen Photo 1:kammlott.info food Western Australia, bugwood.org Photo ofAgriculture 3:Sonya Broughon, Department and bugwood.org StatePhoto Michigan University. 2:David Cappaert, Photo 1:Instituto Valenciano deInvestigaciones Agrarias Photo 3:Kent M.Daane, University ofCalifornia Photo 2:bioplanet.it bugwood.organd Consumer Services, Photo 1:Jeffrey W. of Lotz, AgricultureDepartment Florida Photo 2:onlinepestcontrol.com USDA ARS,bugwood.org Photo 1:U.S.Photographs, Insects National ofScale Collection RESOURCES & IMAGE CREDITS 93 Photo 1: naturesgoodguys.com 1: Photo ButchartThe Gardens 2: Photo Photo 1: Sesil Corp Photo 2: New Business Media Photo Solutions 3: Entomology Photo Photo 2: Sonya Groughton, Department of Agriculture & Food & Food Department Groughton, of Agriculture 2: Sonya Photo bugwood.org Australia, Western University, State Colorado Cranshaw, Whitney 3: Photo bugwood.org Photo 1: KoppertPhoto Systems Biological 2: KoppertPhoto Systems Biological 3: www.agrospraytechnic.ma Photo Photo 1: Sesil Corporation Photo 2: buchartgardens.com Photo 3: phytoseiidae.com Photo Photo 1: pbase.com Photo Biogarten 2: Andermatt Photo AG Photo 1: David Cappaert, 1: David bugwood.org Photo Vineland 2: R. Buitenhuis, Photo Photo 1: Scott Bauer, USDA ARS USDA Bauer, 1: Scott Photo Photo 1: KoppertPhoto Systems Biological 2: moshkin.clubPhoto Photo 1: Tip Top Bio-Control Top Tip 1: Photo 3: Sesil Corporation Photo 4: soundhorticulture.com Photo Photo 2: Edgardo González Carducci 2: Edgardo Photo • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Neoseiulus fallacis 57 – Neoseiulus Page Phytoseiulus persimilis Phytoseiulus 59 – Page Stethorus punctillum Stethorus 61 – Page Page 65 – Amblysius swirskii Page Page 67 – Neoseiulus cucumeris Page Stratiolaelaps scimitus 71 – Stratiolaelaps Page Steinernema feltiae 73 – Steinernema Page Page 75 – Whiteflies 75 – Page Page 77 – Amblyseius swirskii Page Page 79 – Delphastus catalinae Page Eretmocerus eremicus 82 – Eretmocerus Page 94 Utah State University is committed to providing an environment free from harassment and other forms of illegal discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 and older), disability, and veteran’s status. USU’s policy also prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in employment and academic related practices and decisions. Utah State University employees and students cannot, because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status, refuse to hire; discharge; promote; demote; terminate; discriminate in compensation; or discriminate regarding terms, privileges, or conditions of employment, against any person otherwise qualified. Employees and students also cannot discriminate in the classroom, residence halls, or in on/off campus, USU-sponsored events and activities. This publication is issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kenneth L. White, Vice President for Extension and Agriculture, Utah State University.