Method for rearing predatory mites
The present invention relates to the field of biological control. Specifically, it relates to the use of predator mites as biological control agents for reducing damage to crops by insect pests. In particular, it relates to a new method for rearing predator mites, and a method for controlling pests in a crop using predator mites reared using said method.
1. A method for rearing predatory mites,
providing a food source for prey mites that comprises dextrose;
rearing Thyreophagus entomophagus prey mites on said food source;
providing predatory mites that feed on Thyreophagus entomophagus in a starting ratio of predatory mites to prey mites from 1:10 to 1:100, and
rearing the predatory mites on said prey mites, to create a breeding population.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the prey mites are present as a breeding population.
3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the predatory mites are from the family Phytoseiidae.
4. The method according to claim 3 , wherein the predatory mites are from a genus selected from the group consisting of Amblyseius, Typhlodromips, Neoseiulus, Typhlodromalus, Euseius, Typhlodromus, Iphiseius and Kampimodromus.
5. The method according to claim 4 , wherein the predatory mites are selected from the group consisting of Amblyseius andersoni, Amblyseius califormicus, Amblyseius cucumeris, Amblyseius fallacis, Amblyseius limonicus, Amblyseius montdorensis, Amblyseius ovalis, Amblyseius stipulatus, Amblyseius swirskii and Amblyseius womersleyi.
6. The method according to claim 5 , wherein the predatory mites are Amblyseius swirskii.
7. A method for controlling pests in a crop comprising releasing into the crop, or the crop growing locus, a predator mite that has been reared according to claim 1 .
8. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the predator mite is Amblyseius swirskii , and the pests are thrips and/or whitefly.
9. The method according to claim 8 , wherein the crop is selected from the group consisting of peppers, cucumbers, aubergines, roses, gerberas, melons and beans.
10. A composition comprising at least one predatory mite, and Thyreophagus entomophagus in a starting ratio of predator to prey mites from 1:10 to 1:100, wherein the sedentary nature of Thyreophagus entomophagus makes it suitable as a food source for said predatory mite.
11. The composition according to claim 10 , further comprising a food source for Thyreophagus entomophagus.
12. The composition according to claim 11 , wherein the food source for Thyreophagus entomophagus contains at least 5% sugar.
13. The composition according to claim 12 , wherein the food source for Thyreophagus entomophagus contains less than 30% starch.
14. The composition according to claim 10 , wherein the predatory mite is Amblyseius swirskii.