Description
Amblyseius degenerans is a predatory mite used to control thrips. It does best in crops such as peppers where a good pollen source is available. It is also highly effective for thrips in flower crops with pollen. It will not establish on greenhouse cucumber or tomato plants. It is a large, dark colored mite, 1mm long that is non-diapausing and can be introduced in the winter in greenhouse crops without a problem.
Target Pests
Thrips, spider mites, insect eggs, pollen and honeydew.
Life Cycle
Similar to Amblyseius cucumeris, the complete life cycle takes 10-12 days at 68°F. Females lay 1-3 eggs per day for an average of 35 eggs in their lifetime. Newly hatched larvae do not feed until they molt at 2 days old. They feed for another 7 days before becoming adults. Adults live for up to 30 days and eat an average of 1 thrips per day. Degenerans feeds on pollen and can become established on peppers as soon as pollen is present and will rapidly increase and spread throughout the greenhouse.
Use in Biological Control
Degenerans are best released in clumps at the end and middle of rows to allow mating to occur. They will gradually spread throughout the crop over a period of 6-8 weeks. The dark color and high mobility make this predatory mite highly conspicuous one leaves and flowers. It is often present in flowers because of the pollen content, and quickly builds a strong population. Adding a source of pollen can be beneficial. Amblyseius degenerans is quite tolerant of low humidity and is used successfully in areas with dry climates, in winter and summer.
Product Information
500 mites in a 100 ml bottle
Introduction Rates
Release as soon as plants are flowering and pollen is present at a rate of 0.2 mites/10 sq. ft. or 800 mites/acre.
For Best Results
Intraguild predation as been observed with this mite. Amblsyeius degenerans feeds on the eggs and larvae of the aphid predator Aphidoletes and the spider mite predator Persimilis. This can contribute to aphid and mite outbreaks on crops such as pepper. If there is a history of aphid or spider mite problems, avoid using Amblyseius degenerans and replace it with other thrips predators such as Amblyseius cucumeris and the minute pirate bug, Orius.
Using Pesticides
Degenerans is more susceptible to pesticides than Cucumeris.