Beneficial Insect Profiles: Predators

Phytoseiulus persimilis

Product: Predatory mite for biological control of spider mites.

Net Contents: Bottles: 1,000 - 2,000 active stages mixed in vermiculite or corn grit.

Common Name: Persimilis. [ pur-si-mil-us ]

Family: Phytoseiidae.

Genus: Phytoseiulus.

Species: persimilis.

Origin: Mediterranean.

Host Pest: Twospotted spider mite and other species in the family Tetranychidae.

Host Plants: Greenhouse crops, low growing field crops (strawberries), ornamentals.

Life Stages Shipped: Egg, larva, protonymph, deutonymph and adult.

Sex ratio: 3-4 females/male

Development: egg to adult: 7-8 days at constant 70 degrees F. (20 degrees C.)

Invironment: Best suited to moderately warm humid climates, 70-85 degrees F. (20-30 degrees C.) at 70% RH. Ideal in protected cropping. Not appropriate in hot, dry environments.

Pesticides: Most organophosphate, carbamate and pyrethroid insecticides are toxic, some for extended periods of time. Tolerant of some fungicides and IGR insecticides. Some resistance to Omite. Tolerates light treatments of Avid and Sulfer treatments when temperature is below 90 degrees F. All pesticides should be used with caution within biological control programs. Avoid spraying crop one week before or after releasing predators.

Storage: Predators are highly perishable and should be released immediately upon delivery. If storage is absolutely necessary, refrigerate at 55 degrees F. (12 degrees C.). Not to exceed 2 days to minimize to mortality.

Augmentation: Typical release rates are 1/sq ft., 1/plant or 20-40,000/acre. Rates are dependent upon pest levels and desired speed of control. Recommended pest/predator ratio at time of release 10/1. Avoid releases in temperatures below 45" F. or above 85' F and during dry windy conditions. It is extremely important to release predators early, as soon as pest mites appear in the crop (less than 5% of leaves infested).

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