Californicus
Neoseiulus californicus
Overview
Neoseiulus californicus (Californicus) is a predatory mite used to control spider mites but they also feed more generally on many other leaf-inhabiting mites, small insects, and pollen.
Californicus is active at high and low temperatures, and at low humidity, but prefers warm to hot conditions where it can reproduce very quickly.
Californicus can be used on a broad range of crops including vegetables (capsicum, eggplant, cucumber), ornamentals (gerbera, cannabis, chrysanthemum, rose), and herbs. It is often used in greenhouse production, but can also be used in the field in fruit crops such as melons, strawberries, raspberries, pome and stone fruit.
Pests Californicus can help you control
You can use Californicus to control spider mites and some other leaf-dwelling mites.
While we recommend you use Cucumeris preferentially to control Broad Mite and Cyclamen Mite, Californicus will help you control these mites and may be more effective at higher temperatures.
How Californicus controls pests among crops
Californicus work best when you use them preventatively or when you first notice spider mites in your crop. It is best to establish them early and allow them to build up before spider mites establish.
We recommend you use Phytoseiulus persimilis for faster knockdown of spider mites during moderate temperature and high humidity conditions. Where conditions are known to be hot/dry later in the year we suggest you release and establish both species early in the crop cycle.
Certain pesticides and fungicides affect Californicus so contact your local Biological Services consultant for specific advice.
How you can order Californicus
You can order Californicus from Biological Services as loose material in 1 or 1.5 litre containers at 100,000 mites/litre. You can also buy them in slow-release sachets.
Associated Crops
Get tailored advice for your commercial crop
To speak with one of our qualified consultants about your current commercial crop challenge or to learn about the benefits of the IPM maintenance and monitoring services we provide, contact us.
Sign up to our mailing list
Subscribe to hear about new products, industry updates and company news.