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Predatory mites double the economic injury level of the Frankliniella occidentalis in strawberry

Predatory mites double the economic injury level of the Frankliniella occidentalis in strawberry Thumbnail


Abstract

The western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) causes bronzing to strawberry fruit. Management of insecticide-resistant strains relies on the integration of predators with carefully timed use of the few insecticides available. Effective management requires better understanding of economic injury levels (EILs) and the factors that affect them. The densities of F. occidentalis and the predatory mite Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) were manipulated in field experiments. All stages of flower and fruit were susceptible to thrips damage, but larvae caused nearly twice as much damage as adults per individual. The EIL was about four adult thrips per flower in the absence of predators, but increased to over eight at densities of N. cucumeris typical of good establishment in crops. The EIL could be increased by about 0.7 adult thrips per flower for every N. cucumeris per flower. The results were supported by measurements of EILs in commercial crops.

Acceptance Date Jun 7, 2016
Publication Date Jun 15, 2016
Journal BioControl
Print ISSN 1386-6141
Publisher Springer Verlag
Pages 661-669
DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-016-9747-y
Keywords Thysanoptera; Thripidae; Western flower thrips; Acari; Phytoseiidae; Neoseiulus cucumeris; Economic Injury Level; IPM
Publisher URL http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10526-016-9747-y

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