Biological pest control in BERRIES: start releasing beneficials on time - Control biológico de plagas en BERRIES: comience a liberar sus benéficos a tiempo

A biolab proposes strategies for the biocontrol of spider mites and thrips in strawberry and raspberry crops

Photo source: http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com

Spider mites can be really dangerous for strawberry and raspberry grown in open field under dry and warm conditions. According to Biobest, this is usually the time to watch for the presence of the pest and be ready to respond immediately. The predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis – an efficient controller of spider mites, can be released when growers have detected the first spider mite hotspots in their crop, as persimilis can only develop when spider mites are already present, being a curative strategy. “Monitor carefully, respond immediately when hotspots appear”, Biobest advises.

 Another enemy of strawberry and raspberry plants is thrips. The predatory bug Orius laevigatus is a very good choice to control thrips. Orius needs a few weeks to install itself on the crop. Introductions should start as soon as the average day temperatura stays above 14°C. Although Orius can feed to some extent on pollen, while thrips is absent, a good establishment can be further promoted by feeding NutrimacTM in release points. "During the installation phase of Orius, weekly introductions of the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris can be used to provide immediate protection against thrips invasions", said Biobest.

Sources: www.biobestgroup.com & www.hortdaily.com