Amblyseius degenerans

Amblyseius (the synonym is Iphiseius) degenerans is an active predatory mite of the family Phytoseiidae, the order Parasitiformes, the division Acari. In nature it inhabits the regions of Mediterranean and North Africa. The predator is mainly used for thrips control, especially against the west flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) and the onion thrips (Thrips tabaci). It also can be applied for the control of Tarsonemid mites, but it doesn't provide considerable effect. Its alternative source of food is flower pollen.

Amblyseius degenerans Amblyseius degenerans Amblyseius degenerans

The adult individual of the predator is dark-brown, almost black. The size of its body is about 0.7 mm in length. It is a little bigger than Amblyseius cucumeris. Every day the female of the mite lays several eggs near veins on the underside of a leaf. In early stages the predator is not motile in fact therefore the process of feeding is absent. The more late stages of Amblyseius degenerans display high motility, particularly in the process of food source search. Taking into account the small size of the entophage it prefers for feeding the 1st and the 2nd stages of thrips ontogeny (small larvae of thrips). The whole cycle of ontogenesis takes 7–10 days at a temperature of 25°C. The life span of the adult individual is about 30 days. Sex ratio is 1:1. Under the deficiency of food the phenomenon of cannibalism is inherent for this mite.

Application

Taking into account the fact that Amblyseius degenerans uses flower pollen as an alternative food source the most effective application of this species is realized in the complex defense of vegetable crops in greenhouses against different species of thrips (generally on the sweet pepper). The experience of application of the predator on cucumbers, various flower-ornamental crops and the strawberry has displayed low effectiveness in the system of thrips control. It is important to know about the factor of cannibalism inside the species. This phenomenon can be stipulated by the deficiency of main or alternative food.

However under the application of the predator on the sweet pepper it displays high motility and the stable level of progeny reproduction. It differs from the Amblyseius cucumeris because it ensures the longer period of plant defense. It concentrates directly near the source of alternative food. Sometimes the species is able to consume eggs and young stages of the spider mite. But in this case it can't provide effective pest control.

In the system of defensive actions it is recommended to apply Amblysius degenerans together with the following species: Orius, Amblyseius cucucmeris, Hypoaspis miles and Hypoaspis aculeifer. The rate of predator application is 0.5–2 individuals per 1 m2. The release of the predator is realized when the first flowers (or flower buds) on a crop arise.

The optimal hydrothermal conditions for the development and the reproduction of the predator are: a temperature of 20–25°C, a relative air humidity of 60–85%. It is possible to apply the predator in the winter because it has no diapause. Under the introduction of the species in the system of defensive measures it is necessary to reduce the application of partial sulfur as a fumigant for the control of the white powdery mildew.

Advantages

  • the possibility of winter application;
  • the high speed of progeny reproduction;
  • the high motility of the species in the search of food source;
  • long-term effect;
  • easy to diagnose predator activity in the process of monitoring.

Storage and transportation

  • keep out of direct sunlight;
  • transport and store at 6–8°C;
  • apply within 18 hours since the moment of reception.