Pollen is a highly nutritional food supplement for predatory mites to keep them active until pest pressure increases.
Suitable for phytoseid predatory mites such as A. swirskii and A. fallacis
Used to increase predatory mite development before prey populations establish
Allows growers to introduce predatory mites earlier, before pests arrive
Apply pollen to crops at the first introduction of predatory mites to help them establish before pest pressure increases. Apply every two weeks with a dedicated sprayer or lightly dust onto crops with a brush or turkey baster. Repeat as necessary.
Supplemental pollen can be used in many crops
Ornamentals, including roses and poinsettia
Vegetable crops before flowering (pepper)
Vegetable crops with little or no pollen (cucumber)
Propagation
Note of Caution
Pollen can also be a food source for Western Flower Thrips and Onion Thrips. Avoid using pollen if these pests are present. Pollen however does not support Echinothrips. Pollen's nutritional value can break down when exposed to sunlight after 3-4 days. Pollen can mold in crops under high humidity conditions. The presence of pollen can reduce thrips predation from A. swirskii by 50%.
Contact a technical specialist at Sound Horticulture for advice on your specific crop system, we're here to help!
