Hypoaspis A
Hypoaspis aculeifer
Overview
Hypoaspis aculeifer is a soil-dwelling mite which feeds on small arthropods and nematodes. It is harmless to plants and people.
Research has shown it has a strong appetite for thrips pupae, consuming 5 times more than any other soil-dwelling predatory mite that was studied. This trait earned it the name 'Killer Mite' by the researcher.
Suitable crops include propagation and bedding plant nurseries, vegetables (capsicum, tomatoes, eggplant, cucumber), ornamental bulb crops (lillies, orchids, begonia, cyclamen, freesia, tulips, daffodils), and herbs. It is primarily used in greenhouse production but can also be used in the field.
Pests Hypoaspis A can help you control
You can use Hypoaspis A to control Bulb Mite, Springtails, thrips pupae, Fungus Gnat and Reptile Mites.
They will also help you control other soil-inhabiting pests and Chicken Mites (Dermanyssus gallinae).
How Hypoaspis A controls pests among crops
The soil-dwelling Hypoaspis A dig into the soil and growing media where they feed on thrips pupae, bulb mites, small arthropods and nematodes. They can dig much deeper into open soils than Hypoaspis miles to reach bulbs 100mm below the surface.
While Hypoaspis A cannot control thrips on their own, they can be very important when used in conjunction with Orius tantillus, Neoseiulus cucumeris, Typhlodomips montdorensis and Franklinohrips vespiformis, which target thrips in the plant canopy.
If thrips and Fungus Gnat are both a problem, you can use Hypoaspis A with Hypoaspis miles (Hypoaspis M) in our Hypo Mix.
Certain pesticides and fungicides affect Hypoaspis A so contact your local Biological Services consultant for specific advice.
How you can order Hypoaspis A
You can order Hypoaspis aculeifer from Biological Services as loose material in 1 or 1.5 litre containers at 30,000 mites/litre.
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.
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