Phytoseiulus persimilis

Predator of twospotted mite

Left, P. persimilis adult, orange tear drop shaped,
long front legs.

Centre, twospotted mite.

Top right, twospotted mite egg.

Bottom right, P. persimilis egg.

Target Pests

Twospotted mite (Tetranychus urticae), bean spider mite (T. ludeni)

Crops suitable

Cut flowers, nursery crops, strawberries, vegetables, deciduous fruits in coastal areas, tropical fruits.

General description

Predatory mite. Prefers warm and humid environments. Voracious feeder on all stages on TSM. Able to hunt out mites in dense foliage. Tolerant to some insecticides and most fungicides.

How to use

Supplied on soy or french bean leaves.

The bean leaves are simply placed amongst foliage of infested plants.

Initial introduction should be followed by regular smaller releases in mite susceptible plant varieties.

Early identification and treatment of "hot spots" is recommended.

Release rates

Greenhouse crops:

Initial release: one pack of 10,000 (all life stages) per 200 m².

Regular releases: one pack of 10,000 per 1,000 m²

Outdoor crops: one pack per 500 - 1,000 m².

Suppliers

Go to: The Australasian Biological Control Web Site for suppliers

Other biocontrol agents commonly used with Persimilis

Encarsia formosa, green lacewings, Cryptolaemus, Hypoaspis, nematodes and Trichogramma wasps in protected crops