Amblyseius ( Neoseiulus ) cucumeris 400 mini sachets w/hooks 500 mites per sachet ( Thrips )

Amblyseius cucumeris, or handleless cucumber thrips, is a predatory mite species utilized for biological control of thrips and tiny arthropods in greenhouses and indoors, as well as in field settings. This beneficial mite is a critical part of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that employs nontoxic pest control methods for both commercial and residential producers. 

The mini sachet system has 400 sachets per unit and each sachet has 500 active predatory mites. These sachets can be used over an extended period to allow better dispersion. The easy-to-hang sachets provide a slow release so that more mites can be used to ensure establishment and aid in maintenance of trifid populations throughout the crop. 

What Benefits Does Amblyseius Cucumeris Offer For Control Of Thrips? 

Amblyseius cucumeris feed on early stage larvae of thrips and as such, will cooldown their infestations by maturing the larvae so that the larvae do not reproduce. These predatory mites also feed on small soft bodied arthropods and pollen to have a more broad scope to control pest organisms.

Gains from Using Amblyseius cucumeris Mites for Pest Control

Every Amblyseius cucumeris mite feeds on the larvae of thrips during their least protective stage. This can prevent outbreaks from happening. By exclusively focusing on first and second instar thrips, the Amblyseius cucumeris mite is able to interfere with the life cycle of thrips, which helps in preventing overpopulation. 

This method helps in maintaining an ecological balance of the environment, which reduces the use of chemical pesticides, improves the beauty of the area, and solves issues related to resistant pests and harmful residues. The continuous release system allows the mites to be released over a span of weeks which guarantees control over the overpopulation of thrips for a long time.  

Aside from thrips, Amblyseius cucumeris prefers feeding on other small arthropods, such as other mites and pollen, expanding its usefulness in pest control. It is non-toxic to plants, humans, and beneficial insects. For this reason, it can be safely deployed in greenhouses, indoor farms, field crops and ornamental nurseries. Amblyseius cucumeris are faster, simpler, and more straightforward in application when using pre-loaded sachets which guarantees even distribution throughout the crops. 

The Functionality of Amblyseius Cucumeris  

These predatory mites are known to be aggressive hunters, constantly on the lookout for thrips larvae and other small arthropods.

While adult thrips are not controlled, the elimination of younger larvae subserves blast population reproduction and sustains the pest control over extensive time periods. 

The mites are released bit by bit from the sachets and disperse within the crop over time. They consume and destroy first and second instar thrips before they reach maturity. In the process of increasing their population, they also control other pest populations. By consuming other tiny mites and using pollen, they promote the health of the crop, which reduces the need for chemical spraying. 

Best Practices for Application and Release

To achieve maximum results, it is very important to disperse Amblyseius cucumeris earlier within the growing cycle than the recommended time before the thrips population becomes too populated. Distributing sachets throughout the crop canopy allows for proper population and dispersal control. 

Sachets can be attached to stems, trellises, or branches as long as they are kept out of direct sunlight, but are in a warm, humid area. In the case of moderate to light infestations, sachets should be placed every three to four feet apart. To improve coverage and control of great infestations, increasing the number of sachets is required.

Every four to six weeks, the reapplication helps in the mitigation of the thrips, and this is the most advantageous time for the mites to do so because they work best if the pests have already formed a population. Their optimal conditions for survival include the following: 65 percent relative humidity, and 68-86 degrees Fahrenheit. Applying insect soaps, broad spectrum pesticides, and even fungicides are damaging to the mites' population, thus it is better to stay clear from them during this time. 

When To Utilize Amblyseius Cucumeris 

These predatory mites ought to be set at the start of the season in order to limit the damage resulting from the thrips attack. In addition, they also come in handy at the first signs of the existence of thrips in order to avoid the pupating stage to be transformed into reproducing adults. They assist in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems by utilizing the non-chemical methods that have an enduring impact all year long. 

Best application and other associated crops

This pest has a wide host range and is found in many crops of horticultural and agricultural importance, such as: 

• Cucumber, tomato, pepper, strawberry, herbs and other flowering plants grown as greenhouse crops. 
• Hydroponically grown crops like lettuce, micro greens, and other economically important plants such as cannabis. 
• Field crops and vegetables like berries, tree fruits, and vegetables. 
• Floricultural and ornamental nurseries which grow roses, poinsettias, chrysanthemums and other flowering plants.

Instructions For The Storage And Handling Of Amblyseius Cucumeris Mites

Mites should be deployed immediately after receiving them. If storage is necessary, sachets can be kept for 48 hours in the absence of light and at a temperature of 50-60°F (10-15°C). The sachets should not be frozen or subjected to extreme heat either of which will exterminate the mites. Sunlight should be avoided as it can lead to overheating which will result in the death of most mites.

Importance of Amblyseius Cucumeris to The Growers

Amblyseius Cucumeris is harmful the same way chemical pesticides are. A neutralized benefit of chemical pesticides is dealing with the issue of resistance, harmful residue, and death of beneficial insects. Luckily, these mites allow growers to combat thrips in a natural and sustainable way. Even better, there is no need to be concerned about pesticide residue and will lead to cleaner, nature friendly ways to combat pest control long-term. 

These predatory mites, unlike other chemical methods, do not endanger pollinators and other beneficial insects. As such, these mites assist in compliance with organic and sustainable farming, hence making them suitable for certified IPM programs and organic agriculture.

These mites reduce pesticide application, enhancing the well-being of both the consumers and workers, while subsequently improving the health of the plants.