2020 Volume 62 Pages 55-60
The efficacy of a combination of a predatory mite, Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor), and a spiracle-blocking insecticide, propylene glycol fatty acid monoester emulsifiable concentrate (Akaritouch), in controlling a population of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, was investigated. In laboratory experiments, when Akaritouch was sprayed weekly, the number of predatory mite females on leaf discs decreased. However, in the same experiments, the populations of N. californicus comprising eggs, immatures, and adults were maintained on the leaf discs because Akaritouch had no significant effect on the number of eggs and immature mites. In greenhouse experiments with strawberry and eggplant, we found that the use of N. californicus and Akaritouch spray in combination was effective in controlling the spider mite population. The effects were observed in the one-week interval application of Akaritouch.
