Predator of persea mite


NOMENCLATURE: Approved name: Galendromus annectens (DeLeon). Other names: Persea mite predator.

SOURCE: A mite that is thought to have originated in Mexico. Well-adapted to predate the avocado or persea mite (Oligonychus perseae Tuttle, Baker & Abbatiello).

PRODUCTION: Reared on phytophagous mites under controlled conditions.

TARGET :PESTS: Spider mites, including Tetranychus species and Oligonychus perseae.

TARGET :CROPS: Recommended for use in a wide range of protected and outdoor crops. Particularly useful for control of the avocado or persea mite, Oligonychus perseae, on crops such as avocados, citrus and fruit trees.

BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY: Biology: Eggs are laid near a food source on the surface of leaves. These hatch into larvae with three pairs of legs; these larvae do not eat. The protonymph emerges from the larva and begins to feed. The adults emerge from the nymphal stage, mate within a few hours and the females then begin to lay eggs. Galendromus species are slower-acting predators than Phytoseiulus persimilis Athios-Henriot, but all stages are able to withstand wider ranges of temperature and are more tolerant of starvation. The adults are able to survive, but not breed, on pollen. G. annectens is well adapted to penetrate the thick web laid down by O. perseae to protect its eggs and can, thereby, lay its eggs very close to the phytophagous mite eggs. Efficacy: G. annectens is a well-adapted predator that feeds on all stages of the pest mites. It is particularly tolerant of high temperatures and will survive for relatively long periods in the absence of mites as a food source. G. annectens is particularly useful for the control of ' difficult' mites, such as O. perseae.

COMMERCIALISATION: Formulation: Usually supplied as active predators (adults and protonymphs) plus some eggs. The product will usually contain some corn meal cob or bran plus some host mite eggs as a food source. Tradenames: ' Galendromus annectens' (American Insectaries), (Buena Biosystems) and (Rincon-Vitova).

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND NON-TARGET TOXICITY: Galendromus annectens occurs in Nature and is not expected to have any adverse effects on non-target organisms or on the environment. It is specific to spider mites.

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Source: Copping LG [ed.], 2004. The Manual of Biocontrol Agents. Alton, UK: BCPC.