Seasonal abundance of spider mites and their predators on red raspberry was studied in 1993 and 1994 at 2 agricultural locations near Quebec City, Canada. Three raspberry systems, wild raspberry, pesticide-free cultivated raspberry, and commercial raspberry treated with a variety of pesticides, were sampled at frequent intervals. Tetranychus mcdanieli McGregor accounted for 87.5, 80.6, and 95.0...

The twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), is an important pest of vegetables and other economically important crops. This study evaluated the functional responses and prey-stage preferences of three species of predators, a predatory gall midge, Feltiella acarisuga (Vallot) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), and two predatory mite species, Neoseiulus californicus (McGre...

The contact toxicity activity of an essential oil extracted from Acorus calamus (L.) (Acoraceae) was evaluated against the phytophagous spider mites Tetranychus urticae Koch and macfarlanei Baker & Pritchard (Acari: Tetranychidae) predatory mite Amblyseius longispinosus (Evans) Phytoseiidae). Adult mortality 24 h following application 5% (v/v) concentration exceeded 90% for T. macfarlanei. Appl...

Amblyseius swirskiiAthias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is a predatory mite used to control thrips (Thysanoptera), whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci Genn., Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), and broad mites (BMs) (Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks, Acari: Tarsonemidae). Dispersal of A. swirskii, using the ornamental pepper "Explosive Ember" as a banker plant was evaluated for control of BMs in high-tunnel peppers...

Experiments were carried out on the toxicity of selected insecticides and fungicides to the predatory mites species: Amblyseius swirskii, A. andersoni, and Phytoseiulus persimilis. Among the tested active substances: abamectin, hexytiazox, and spinosad were safe to the predators. The mortality level of the tested predator was comparable to the control treatment, seven days after application. Th...