Abstract
The effect of a red insect-proof net, a predatory mite, Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot, and granular formulation of an entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschn.) Sorokin on melon thrip, Thrips palmi Karny, was investigated on greenhouse cucumber from August to November in 2013, 2014, and 2015. A red insect-proof net was placed in the treated plot, and 50,000 A. swirskii were released per 10 a, and 5 kg of M. anisopliae granules were applied per 10 a. In the control plot, a white insect-proof net was used and no biological pesticides were applied. In 2013 and 2015, the population density of thrips was lower in the treated plot than in the control plot. In 2014, the population density of adult thrips was similar in both plots, and the number of larval thrips was lower in the treated plot than in the control plot. These results suggest that the IPM system utilizing a red insect-proof net in combination with A. swirskii, and M. anisopliae can effectively control thrips.
