Cucumeris
Neoseiulus cucumeris
Overview
Neoseiulus cucumeris (Cucumeris) is a predatory mite that is particularly effective against thrips such as Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) and Onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci).
Cucumeris is suitable for most greenhouse crops and both indoor and outdoor strawberry crops. It can control thrips in cucumbers, capsicums, eggplants, and berryfruit as well as ornamental crops such as gerbera, rose, and other potted plants.
They are also used to control thrips in harvested bins of red onions to protect against damage during storage.
Pests Cucumeris can help you control
Cucumeris will also feed on other mites and pollen and has been valuable in the control of Broad Mite.
How Cucumeris controls pests among crops
Cucumeris feeds on small (1st and 2nd instar) thrips on foliage and flowers but cannot feed on large larvae or adult thrips.
It can survive on pollen in the absence of the pest, therefore you can use it preventatively in crops such as capsicums or strawberries that flower continuously.
In situations with very high thrips/virus pressure, always use Cucumeris in combination with the predatory pirate bug Orius tantillus.
Using the soil-dwelling predatory mites Hypoaspis aculeifer and Hypoaspis miles and predatory rove beetles Dalotia coriaria will also help control thrips pupae in the soil.
Certain pesticides and fungicides affect Cucumeris so contact your local Biological Services Consultant for specific advice.
How you can order Cucumeris
You can order Cucumeris from Biological Services as loose material in 1 or 1.5 litre containers at 100,000 mites/litre. You can also order them as slow-release sachets.
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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.
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