Spider mite (SM) and hop aphid (HA) populations were monitored during two seasons in a pesticide-free hop yard in southcentral Washington, to determine the extent of biological control provided by endemic natural enemies. Phytoseiid and non-phytoseiid predators maintained SM populations below damaging levels for season-long control.
Similarly, predators kept HA populations below damaging levels. Roles, dynamics and interactions of phytoseiid and non-phytoseiid predators in an assemblage approach to biological control of mites and aphids in Washington hops, will be discussed.
Species 1: Acarina Tetranychidae Tetranychus urticae (twospotted spider mite)
Species 2: Homoptera Aphididae Phorodon humuli (hop aphid)
Species 3: Acarina Phytoseiidae Galendromus occidentalis (western predatory mite)
Keywords: Assemblage, Generalists
The ESA 2001 Annual Meeting - 2001: An Entomological Odyssey of ESA