2014 Volume 56 Pages 21-27
We evaluated the effects of agrochemical application on the density of Amblyseius swirskii released on greenhouse melon plants to control Thrips palmi. Seven to fourteen days after release of A. swirskii, 14 types of insecticides, 6 types of acaricides, and 7 types of fungicides were sprayed on melon plants in each plot. At 3–4, 6–8, 13–14, and 20–21 days after application, the density of A. swirskii and T. palmi larvae were examined by visual counting. It was found that 7 insecticides [Pyridalyl, Dinotefuran, Cyromazine, Pymetorozine, Flonicamid, and BT (Bacilex and Delphin)] did not affect the density of A. swirskii. However, only Pyridalyl, when used in combination with A. swirskii, was useful in controlling T. palmi larvae. Three acaricides (Cyenopyrafen, Acequinocyl, and Cyflumetofen) and 4 fungicides (Wettable sulfur, TPN, Kresoxim-methyl, and Triflumizol) did not affect the density of A. swirskii. The use of these 14 agrochemicals should be recommended in integrated pest management (IPM) programs combined with A. swirskii to control pests on greenhouse melon.