Abstract
Predatory mites Amblyseius swirskii and Neoseiulus cucumeris are considered as effective biocontrol agents against whitefly and thrips in indoors on vegetable crops. Our goal was to assess the effect of these predatory mites on whitefly density on roses indoors in the North-West of Russia. Result showed that the dynamics of the pest population is affected not only by the predator release rate, but also by the time between introductions and their frequency. There was no difference between two species, except one case, when temperatures had risen above 27°C and consequently A. swirskii had a bigger impact on whiteflies than N. cucumeris.
Highlights
The whitefly is one of the dangerous pests for the greenhouse roses, which are grown year-round in the North-West of Russia
Observation of the pest population and introduction of predatory mites A. swirskii and N. cucumeris began in late April and lasted for 6.5 months, until mid-November
The obtained results of the pest dynamics by months show that the change in its number is affected by the number of predators used, and by the frequency of their introduction and the time interval between applications
Summary
The whitefly is one of the dangerous pests for the greenhouse roses, which are grown year-round in the North-West of Russia. The control of whitefly population is challenging because of intensive cultivation on hydroponics and high speed of arthropod development under these conditions. Full disinfection and disinfestation of greenhouses with plants replacing is only possible once in every 4–5 years, creating conditions for pest accumulation. When using the intensive rose cultivation technology, the number of treatments with pesticides can reach up to 20–25 times. Parasitoids Encarsia formosa, Eretmocerus mundus and E. eremicus are recommended for roses, but are ineffective in the North-West, as they demand intensive light and high temperatures. Mirid bugs Macrolophus pygmaeus and Nesidiocoris tenuis, are not economically profitable as live insecticide in mass production
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