Control of Western Flower Thrips on Sweet Pepper in Winter with Amblyseius cucumeris (Oudemans) and A. degenerans Berlese

Abstract

A non-diapause strain of the predatory mite, Amblyseius cucumeris (Oudemans), and a strain of the drought-resistant, non-diapause species, A. degenerans Berlese, were evaluated as biological control agents of western flower thrips (WFT), on greenhouse-grown sweet peppers in winter. Both mite species established on the crop when released in late January. A. degenerans had a greater impact on WFT populations than A. cucumeris, and specific characteristics enabling successful control are discussed.