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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Pierce, Florida » U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory » Subtropical Insects and Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #315111
Title: Application of Predator-in-First approach in managing thrips and other key pests in pepper crops

Author
item KUMAR, VIVEK - University Of Florida
item XIAO, YINGFANG - University Of Florida
item McKenzie, Cindy
item OSBORNE, LANCE - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/6/2015
Publication Date: 3/15/2015
Citation: Kumar, V., Xiao, Y., McKenzie, C.L., Osborne, L.S. 2015. Application of Predator-in-First approach in managing thrips and other key pests in pepper crops[abstract]. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Southeastern and Southwestern Branch, March 15-18,2015, Biloxi, Mississippi.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The establishment of biocontrol agents is critical for success of a biological control strategies. Predator-In-First (PIF) is a prophylactic control strategy that aims to establish predators before the appearance of pests in an agro-ecosystem. PIF uses the characteristics of generalist phytoseiid mites to survive, develop and reproduce on pollen and thus establish in the absence of prey. The early establishment of the proactive population of natural enemies helps target the pests at their incipient stage of infestation. In the present study, we evaluated the practical application of PIF approach in greenhouse and commercial field production conditions using pepper as a model crop. Results showed that predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii established on pepper seedlings, provided effective supression of multiple pests in controlled greenhouse conditions. In field conditions, since weather was a challenge affecting predatory mites activities, an augmentative release of mite was warranted to receive significant reduction in pest populations. We discuss the implications and limitations of this pest management approach.