BioControl (2015) 60, 341-350

Alberto Pozzebon, Andrea Boaria and Carlo Duso (2015)
Single and combined releases of biological control agents against canopy- and soil-dwelling stages of Frankliniella occidentalis in cyclamen
BioControl 60 (3), 341-350
Abstract: Frankliniella occidentalis is a major pest in agriculture. Problems with its control are mainly due to pupation in the soil and resistance to insecticides. Biological control agents (BCA) can be used against thrips pests as an alternative to conventional insecticides. We evaluated the effectiveness of a number of BCA for control of F. occidentalis in cyclamen under greenhouse conditions. Three BCA (Amblyseius swirskii, Neoseiulus californicus and Orius laevigatus) were applied to the canopy and two (Macrocheles robustulus and Steinernema feltiae) to the soil in single and combined releases. Results showed that applications of predatory mites and nematodes achieved good control of F. occidentalis. Unsatisfactory control was obtained using O. laevigatus. The use of nematodes determined the extinction of thrips, but with a delay. The combination of nematodes in the soil and predatory mites in the canopy caused a more prompt reduction of thrips in flowers.
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Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Alberto Pozzebon, Carlo Duso

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
evaluation - screening - selection

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Frankliniella occidentalis	Cyclamen (crop)
Neoseiulus californicus (predator)	Frankliniella occidentalis	Cyclamen (crop)
Macrocheles robustulus (predator)	Frankliniella occidentalis	Cyclamen (crop)
Amblyseius swirskii (predator)	Frankliniella occidentalis	Cyclamen (crop)