Amblyseius andersoni is a species of predatory mite and is used for biological pest control in horticulture and agriculture. These predatory mites are natural enemies of various pests like thrips, whitefly, non-webbing spider mites and rust mites. Employed as a biocontrol agent, Amblyseius andersoni contributes significantly to sustainable farming practices by offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional chemical pesticides. The effectiveness of these predatory mites at lower temperatures make them a valuable asset in maintaining crop yields and health.
Amblyseius andersoni for pest control
The predatory mite Amblyseius andersoni controls:
- Thrips
- Non-webbing spider mites such as European Red Mite (Panonychus ulmi)
Amblyseius andersoni prefers young larvae of various thrips species but the predatory mite also has an effect on whitefly, and rust mites.
Feeding behaviour of Amblyseius andersoni
Predatory mites pierce their prey and suck out the contents. In addition to thrips and spider mites, Amblyseius andersoni preys on several other small organisms such as whitefly, tarsonemid mites and rust mites. They can also feed on pollen which is useful because the predatory mites can establish in flowering crops before the pest appears. Amblyseius andersoni can feed on first instar larve of thrips and all stages of European Red Mite (Panonychus ulmi). At 25°C under optimal conditions, an adult female Amblyseius andersoni consumes 4-5 first instar larvae of Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) per day and lays 2.3 eggs per day.
Life cycle of Amblyseius andersoni
Mobile stages are beige, droplet-shaped mites. Eggs are oblong and transparent white. Adults are about 0.5 mm in size. Predatory mites are usually found on the lower surface of the leaves, often in the corner of the main vein and lateral veins. It is not possible to distinguish Amblyseius andersoni in the field from Amblyseius swirskii, Neoseiulus californicus, Neoseiulus cucumeris, Transeius montdorensis or Amblydromalus limonicus.
The life cycle of Amblyseius andersoni consists of egg, larva, protonymph, deutonymph, and adult. Eggs are laid on the underside of leaves, often in the axil of veins. They are oval, white and are approximately 0.14 mm in diameter. The larvae have six legs, are the same colour as the eggs, and are only slightly larger. The larvae of Amblyseius andersoni are facultative feeders, which means that they can feed but feeding is not necessary for their development into nymphs. The nymphs are larger than the larvae, have eight legs, and are a whitish yellow colour. Adult mites have eight legs, are a translucent white in colour, and have a flat, elongated body. They are roughly 0.4 mm in length. Males are smaller than females. The mites are very mobile and actively search for food on the underside of leaves. They often congregate in the axils of leaf veins to rest. Their colour can vary according to the prey eaten, and varies from almost lucent whitish to opaque white or yellow. Due to their size and colour they are difficult to spot in the crop.
Best conditions for use of Amblyseius andersoni
The predatory mite Amblyseius andersoni is effective at temperatures above 14°C/57°F. Optimum temperatures are between 20 and 28°C (68 and 82°F). Amblyseius andersoni is sensitive to relative humidity below 65%.
In tomato, use of Amblyseius andersoni is not recommended as it is hindered by the glandular hairs on the stems and leaves and does not build up a population.
Amblyseius andersoni in buckets
The predatory mite Amblyseius andersoni is available in a bucket (Anso-Mite).
- Mix carefully by turning around the bucket a few times
- Carefully sprinkle on the leaves
- Make sure the material remains on the leaves for at least a few hours after releasing the predatory mites
- Can also be applied with (Mini)-Air(o)bug
The dosage of Anso-Mite depends on climate, crop and pest density and should always be adjusted to the particular situation. Start introduction preventively soon after planting of the crop. Introduction rates typically range from 50-250 per m2/release. Releases should be repeated at least 3 times at weekly intervals or until control is achieved. Consult a Koppert advisor or a recognized distributor of Koppert products for advice on the best strategy for your situation.
Amblyseius andersoni sachets
The predatory mite Amblyseius andersoni is also available in breeding sachets (Anso-Mite Plus). In this case the predatory mites multiply in the sachet and disperse into the crop over a period of several weeks.
Hang sachets in sheltered locations in the crop, not exposed to direct sunlight. Sachets already have an exit hole. Hold sachets by the cardboard strip at the top, to avoid damaging the predatory mites.
The dosage of Anso-Mite Plus depends on climate, crop and pest density and should always be adjusted to the particular situation. Start introduction preventively or as soon as the first pests are detected in the crop. Use at least 4,000 sachets per ha and hang them evenly spaced in the crop. Release should be repeated after 4 weeks if the pest is not controlled. Consult a Koppert advisor or a recognized distributor of Koppert products for advice on the best strategy for your situation.