Lailae
Typhlodromalus lailae
Overview
Typhlodromalus lailae (Lailae) is a native Australian predatory mite with a voracious appetite for thrips, whiteflies, and some eriophyid mites.
It is a highly effective biological control agent and naturally present in many mild, humid, coastal and hinterland districts.
You can use Lailae to control thrips, whiteflies, and some eriophyid mites in cucumbers, capsicums, avocadoes, blackberry, raspberry, rose and other ornamentals.
The predator is closely related to T. limonicus, an important predator used in Europe for thrips and whitefly control in greenhouse vegetables, berries, flowers and ornamental crops.
How Lailae controls pests among crops
Lailae feeds on first and second instar thrips, as well as whitefly eggs and nymphs.
Use Lailae preventatively before the pests arrive or at the first signs of thrip or whitefly. As Lailae cannot be reared in high concentrations like some other predatory mites, you will need to release them early to allow them to breed and build up their numbers in your crop. Applying pollen to crops can assist establishment if pests are initially low.
Certain pesticides and fungicides affect Lailae so contact your local Biological Services Consultant for specific advice.
How you can order Lailae
You can order Typhlodromalus lailae from Biological Services as loose material in 1 or 1.5 litre containers at 25,000 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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