Practical experiences
Most experience in strawberries in the Netherlands was gained in 2004 and 2005, using shaker cans. (is this still the case in 2006?) It is worthy of note that A. swirskii was often found in greater numbers than Amblyseius cucumeris, while Amblyseius cucumeris is released in much larger numbers using slow-release bags. In strawberry crops, A. swirskii is found mainly between the sepals of the flowers or newly formed fruits, generally 1-2 per flower/fruit.The temperature pattern is important for the good development of A. swirskii. As soon as the average daily temperature regularly exceeds 20-22°C, A. swirskii is able to increase its numbers in the crop. In practice, this means that deployment can begin from March onwards. Before this temperature is reached, it is better to use A. cucumeris. Has any experience been gained with the effects of A. swirskii on tarsonemid mites?