Whitefly control

Swirskiline as

Amblyseius (Typhlodromips) swirskii

How does it work?

Amblyseius (Typhlodromips) swirskii is a small predatory mite which feeds on many types of small arthropod prey and pollen. It has been researched for many years as a predator of spider mites, Eriophyid mites and other pests on crops in Egypt and Israel, and was released into the United States in 1983 as part of a control programme for citrus pests. More recently, it was collected in Israel in association with whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, by researchers at the University of Amsterdam, and tested as a control agent for that pest. It was found to be able to reduce but not eradicate whitefly populations on cucumber plants to which pollen had been added. Researchers at PPO in the Netherlands have also studied this mite for control of whitefly and other pests, such as thrips.

Adult female mites lay single eggs onto leaf hairs. The mites go through three immature stages, larva, protonymph, and deutonymph, before becoming adults. At 25°C, the entire cycle from egg to adult can take less than 7 days. All mobile stages are predatory.

The mites feed by piercing small arthropod prey or grains of pollen with their mouthparts, and draining the contents.

Predatory mites can be released onto the crop over several weeks, and can be introduced before the prey is present.

When and where should you use it?

Apply the product to crops as soon as night-time temperatures reach 15°C, and daytime temperatures are higher than 20°C. It is well suited to use in crops grown in warm conditions. Earlier application, before temperatures are sufficiently high, can reduce or prevent establishment.

Establishment will be most rapid on crops with ample pollen, such as pepper crops, as the pollen provides an alternative, high quality food source for the mites. Crops without pollen will give slower establishment.

How should you use it?

Swirskiline as is supplied incardboard shaker tubes containing 25,000 mites or bulk bags containing 125,000 mites.

When should you not use it?

Swirskiline as is not suitable for use in crops grown in cool conditions. There is minimal survival and no population growth at 15°C, and slow population growth at 18°C. Best results are obtained with temperatures between 20°C and 30°C.

Swirskiline as should not be used as the sole means of control when whitefly populations are already very high, or when whitefly adults are invading the crop in large numbers.

Swirskiline as is not suitable for use in tomato crops.

Other controls will provide better value for control of thrips where whitefly are not present.

What will it do?

Used as directed, Swirskiline as will reduce populations of Bemisia tabaci and Trialeurodes vaporariorum and significantly improve crop quality in crops grown in warm conditions. If applied early enough, Swirskiline as may reduce or prevent whitefly infestation.

What will it not do, and what are the control options?

Amblyseius (Typhlodromips) swirskii will not provide control of whitefly in crops where night-time temperatures are below 15°C. It will not prevent damage to crops by invading populations of adult whitefly, nor will it provide immediate reductions of adults in established whitefly populations.

In cooler crops, use the alternative and well-tried products Encarsia formosa or Eretmocerus spp.

Where thrips are the main pest present, use the proven control provided by Amblyline cu CRS sachets (Amblyseius cucumeris).

Chemical compatibility

Limited information is available on compatibility with pesticides. As a general rule, neonicotinoid insecticides applied for control of whitefly have no direct effect upon Phytoseiid mites.

Note.

Swirskiline as contains Amblyseius swirskii, which cannot be released without appropriate permits in some countries. Check availability with your supplier before ordering product.