Sweet pepper was the first crop in which Koppert tested the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii. The initial trials were semi-practical trials looking at how to combat cotton whitefly and thrips. A. swirskii was also compared with other predatory mites, and other trials looked at dosages, combinations with other natural enemies or pest control methods when cotton whitefly and thrips are both present. The trials were carried out both in the Netherlands and in southern Europe.

 

In February 2004, Koppert launched a practical trial looking at the way A. swirskii established itself in a flowering sweet pepper crop. This trial revealed that A. swirskii can establish itself well in sweet pepper crops. In the summer months, the number of predatory mites remains at a good level (see graph 1) unlike Amblyseius cucumeris, which generally declines in numbers during that period. Laboratory and cage trials took place in 2006, comparing the effectiveness of combating two-spotted spider mite by means of different types of predatory mites. These trials demonstrated that A. swirskii is not the best natural enemy of spider mite, but that it can greatly reduce the development of spider mite populations.

 

• Good results have been achieved with A. swirskii in sweet pepper crops in both northern and southern Europe
• A. swirskii can survive on pollen in sweet pepper crops with no infestation
• A. swirskii can combat whitefly and thrips effectively in sweet pepper crops

 

If whitefly and/or thrips are present, the numbers of A. swirskii increase rapidly.

 

See graph 1 Establishment of A. swirskii in the crop (The Netherlands)

See graph 2 Combating thrips using A. swirskii compared with A. cucumeris

See graph 3 Combating cotton whitefly using A. swirskii

 

Koppert report Control of B. tabaci in sweet pepper (pdf)

Koppert report Control of F. occidentalls in sweet pepper (pdf)

Koppert report Preventive release in sweet pepper (pdf)