Amblyseius swirskii 5000 individuals

What is SWIR PRO5?

Amblyseius swirskii is a predatory mite from the family Phytoseiidae, measuring approximately 0.5 mm in length, widely used in agriculture as a biological control agent for thrips and whiteflies. This species is one of the most commonly encountered entomophages used in biological pest control. Amblyseius swirskii exhibits a high reproductive capacity and can survive for some time without prey, feeding on pollen, making it an extremely effective tool for plant protection. Additionally, it does not cause damage to plants and has no negative impact on the environment, making it safer than the use of chemical insecticides.

Life cycle.

The life cycle of Amblyseius swirskii consists of the following stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. The female typically lays eggs (with a diameter of about 0.2 mm) on the lower side of leaves, where they are visible to the naked eye. After a few days, larvae hatch from the eggs and prey on small insects such as thrips larvae and whiteflies. After several molts, the larvae transform into nymphs, which continue actively hunting pests. The nymphs then develop into adult individuals, which also feed on pests and reproduce. The entire life cycle of the predatory mite depends on temperature and humidity levels and lasts an average of 14 to 21 days.

Pests.

Amblyseius swirskii feeds on various pests, including thrips, whiteflies, spider mites, and other small insects, but it prefers the first two. Therefore, it is used for controlling greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum), tobacco whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), onion thrips (Thrips tabaci), and others. In the absence of prey, the entomophage is able to sustain its population by feeding on plant pollen. Hence, it is highly promising in pollen-rich crops. The high effectiveness of Amblyseius swirskii in controlling these pests has been proven through years of practical application.

Crops.

Amblyseius swirskii is used in a wide range of crops, including:

• Vegetable crops: cucumber, pepper, eggplant, zucchini, etc.

• Fruit crops: strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, etc.

• Flower and ornamental crops: rose, chrysanthemum, gerbera, poinsettia, calla lily, anthurium, etc.

It is not recommended to use Amblyseius swirskii on tomato crops. This is because this species is a surface predator, and its effectiveness relies on the availability of pests for hunting and feeding. It has difficulty moving and pursuing prey on densely hairy plants like tomatoes. In such cases, other methods of biological pest control are recommended.

Application.

It is recommended to introduce the mites at an early stage of plant growth to allow them to effectively control pests throughout the season. Prior to introducing the entomophage into the greenhouse, the product (cardboard tube or paper bag) should be thoroughly mixed by rotating it for several minutes around its axis. This will ensure a more even distribution of the predator and thereby increase its effectiveness.

Amblyseius swirskii is introduced into the crop by gently sprinkling the carrier material containing the entomophages onto the substrate or directly onto the plant leaves. Regardless of the method of introduction, temperature and humidity should be monitored to provide optimal conditions for the survival of the biological agents. The entomophage is most effective within a temperature range of 20-32°C. Below 18°C, the predator's effectiveness decreases, so in cooler periods, it is recommended to use more cold-tolerant species such as Transeius montdorensis or Amblydromalus limonicus. Amblyseius swirskii is also sensitive to relative humidity below 60%.

Application rates.

Optimal application rates of Amblyseius swirskii may vary depending on factors such as the crop type, pest species, infestation levels, presence of other control methods, etc. Typically, these rates can range from 25 to 300 individuals of the entomophage per 1 m². The procedure should be repeated every 7-14 days.

Please note that optimal application rates may vary depending on various factors. Before using Amblyseius swirskii, we recommend consulting with experts from our company who will assist in developing an optimal protection strategy for your specific case.

Storage.

Storage of Amblyseius swirskii should follow specific guidelines to ensure maximum effectiveness of biological control. Here are a few recommendations:

• The product should be stored in a horizontal position in a cool place protected from direct sunlight, at a temperature of 12-14°C.

• Storing Amblyseius swirskii in a refrigerator or freezer is prohibited as it may lead to the death of the entomophages.

• The maximum storage period for the product from the time of receipt is 1-2 days.

• It is important to remember to avoid contact with pesticides during the storage of Amblyseius swirskii.