Couch Mite Biological Control

The predatory mite phytoseiulus persimilis is an effective natural enemy of spider mite.

Couch mite biological control.

The first indication is that turf is not growing as vigorously as it should in spring despite adequate irrigation and fertility leaf tips firstly appear yellow and start rolling symptoms progress to. Finesse miticide is a new ovicide for the control of mites in turf. Reducing mowing height and collection of clippings may help with control. Finesse controls mite populations by sterilising adult females preventing egg hatch and kills larvae and nymphs as they moult.

Common couch the tif hybrids more resistant. Regularly inspect the most susceptible cultivars or species and look for signs of plant damage. As spider mites insert their stylet like. Alternative mode of action for couch mite control in turf.

Couch grasses cynodon spp description immature larval stage. Weekly scouting and random plant inspections are needed to detect populations early. Believed to be a native species this mite now has widespread distribution across australia couchgrass mites are active throughout summer particularly during hot and dry conditions. It relies on predation parasitism herbivory or other natural mechanisms but typically also involves an active human management role it can be an important component of integrated pest management ipm programs.

Spider mites have many natural enemies which limit their numbers in many landscapes and gardens especially when undisturbed by pesticide sprays. Use in conjunction with an adulticide. Carefully inspect plants in hot dry areas of a greenhouse or where there is no overhead irrigation that wets the foliage that may wash some of the mites off the plant leaves. Symptoms this pest is also in the usa and south africa where it is referred to as bermudagrass mite.

Predatory mites are about the same size as plant feeding mites but have longer legs and are more active. Couch turf managers will understand what an important innovation this is 10 weeks control of couch mite with only three targeted treatments. Damage infestations are easily recognisable through the observation of plant injury in the field once visible injury has occurred pest pressure. American scientists have traditionally identified australia as the homeland of the bermudagrass mite 2 3 but australian researchers believe that the bermudagrass mite is a native of africa 9.

Biological controls are best used preventatively when spider mite populations are low. Koppert was the first company that introduced this natural enemy. Some of the most important are the predatory mites including the western predatory mite figure 7 galendromus formerly metaseiulus occidentalis and phytoseiulus mite species. Its origin however is controversial.

Typical symptoms could include. Other common names are bermudagrass stunt mite and couch grass mite. In the united states bermudagrass mite was first reported in phoenix in 1959 12. Translucent bodied mite invisible to the naked eye up to 0 13mm long.

Biological control or biocontrol is a method of controlling pests such as insects mites weeds and plant diseases using other organisms.