Practical experiences
In 2006, A. swirskii was applied in the covered cultivation of fresh herbs. In these crops, infestation tolerance is very low, as the entire crop is usually harvested. Hardly any chemical agents are permitted in herb cultivation. An additional problem is that some chemical agents in the break down extremely slowly in the often oil-bearing leaves of herbs. Thrips and aphids occur in many species of herbs.
In practice, it appears that an intensive A. swirskii release programme keeps thrips at very low levels. The improved blower technology developed in 2006 helps in the even and efficient distribution of the predatory mites.