Advances in the management of spider mites in field-grown strawberries in Australia

Abstract

Biological control of spider mites (Tetranychus urticae Koch and T. ludeni Zacher) in Australian field-grown strawberry crops using the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, has been practised commercially since 1984. Although adoption was slow in the early years, about 40% of growers now use the system. The adoption rate increased through the involvement of private consultants in pest monitoring and management. Growers have now embraced biological control of spider mites by implementing the pest in first (PIF) technique first proposed for the industry in 1984.