Integration of the predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus with petroleum spray oil treatments for control of Tetranychus marianae on eggplant

Abstract

The red spider mite, Tetranychus marianae McGregor (Acari: Tetranychidae), a pest of several vegetable crops and perennials, is widespread in the Pacific Islands, like the Mariana Islands, where it was first reported. Recently, T. marianae has become a serious pest, particularly affecting eggplant. Efforts were therefore made to develop an integrated approach to control of T. marianae. First, indoor experiments on eggplant, Solanum melongena L. (Solanaceae), determined the optimal combination of petroleum spray oil (PSO; Volck® oil spray) with release of Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) for the management of T. marianae. Additionally, studies evaluated the viability of the predatory mites on Guam. The combination of N. californicus with PSOs produced significant control of T. marianae and did not affect the survival of N. californicus. Although dicofol and carbaryl reduced populations of T. marianae, they caused high mortality of N. californicus. Integrating PSO with N. californicus yielded better control of T. marianae than did N. californicus alone. The release of N. californicus at 200 individuals per plant reduced populations of T. marianae more than did other release rates. In addition, N. californicus was able to survive and become established after being released on Guam.