Tuesday, December 11, 2001 - 4:11 PM
0634

Do acaricides that alter twospotted spider mite age structure affect biocontrol by predatory mites?

Kenneth W. Cote1, Peter B. Schultz2, and Edwin E. Lewis1. (1) Virginia Tech, Department of Entomology, 320 Price Hall, Blacksburg, VA, (2) Virginia Tech, Hampton Roads AREC, 1444 Diamond Springs Road, Virginia Beach, VA

Predatory mites have been used to control T. urticae, but chemical applications are often necessary during outbreak conditions. Certain acaricides are compatible with P. persimilis and may shape the age structure of T. urticae in a manner that affects biological control. We first determined how several acaricides affected T. urticae age structure. Then, greenhouse trials were conducted applying acaricides followed by a release of P. persimilis to determine whether combination treatments enhanced suppression of T. urticae

Species 1: Acari Tetranychidae Tetranychus urticae (twospotted spider mite)
Species 2: Acari Phytoseiidae Phytoseiulus persimilis
Keywords: pesticides, biological control

The ESA 2001 Annual Meeting - 2001: An Entomological Odyssey of ESA