Practical experiences
A great deal of experience has been gained in the deployment of Amblyseius swirskii over recent years. This predatory mite was able to hold its own very well in all cases of sweet pepper crops, as well as keeping whitefly under control. Within enterprises where whitefly had been a problem in recent years, this threat was no longer able to develop once A. swirskii had been deployed.
Since sweet pepper plants produce pollen, A. swirskii can be deployed as a preventative measure. In the absence of thrips or whitefly, the predatory mite can therefore still build up an adequate population within the crop. Without the presence of an infestation, an average of four to five predatory mites can be found on each leaf in sweet pepper crops all year round.
Various supervisors have reported a clear side effect of A. swirskii against spider mite.
A number of growers of hot peppers have also successfully applied A. swirskii.