Couch Mite Biological Control

Believed to be a native species this mite now has widespread distribution across australia couchgrass mites are active throughout summer particularly during hot and dry conditions.

Couch mite biological control. For more information on couch mite control contact your living turf representative or call us on 1300 556 116. Typical symptoms could include. The predatory mite phytoseiulus persimilis is an effective natural enemy of spider mite. Carefully inspect plants in hot dry areas of a greenhouse or where there is no overhead irrigation that wets the foliage that may wash some of the mites off the plant leaves.

Finesse controls mite populations by sterilising adult females preventing egg hatch and kills larvae and nymphs as they moult. As spider mites insert their stylet like. Couch turf managers will understand what an important innovation this is 10 weeks control of couch mite with only three targeted treatments. Use in conjunction with an adulticide.

Finesse miticide is a new ovicide for the control of mites in turf. Biological controls are best used preventatively when spider mite populations are low. American scientists have traditionally identified australia as the homeland of the bermudagrass mite 2 3 but australian researchers believe that the bermudagrass mite is a native of africa 9. Regularly inspect the most susceptible cultivars or species and look for signs of plant damage.

Translucent bodied mite invisible to the naked eye up to 0 13mm long. Its origin however is controversial. Damage infestations are easily recognisable through the observation of plant injury in the field once visible injury has occurred pest pressure. Symptoms this pest is also in the usa and south africa where it is referred to as bermudagrass mite.

Biological control or biocontrol is a method of controlling pests such as insects mites weeds and plant diseases using other organisms. Predatory mites are about the same size as plant feeding mites but have longer legs and are more active. Koppert was the first company that introduced this natural enemy. Creamy white mite with an elongated abdomen body up to 0 2mm long.

Weekly scouting and random plant inspections are needed to detect populations early. Other common names are bermudagrass stunt mite and couch grass mite. Some of the most important are the predatory mites including the western predatory mite figure 7 galendromus formerly metaseiulus occidentalis and phytoseiulus mite species. Alternative mode of action for couch mite control in turf.

It relies on predation parasitism herbivory or other natural mechanisms but typically also involves an active human management role it can be an important component of integrated pest management ipm programs. Reducing mowing height and collection of clippings may help with control. Spider mites have many natural enemies which limit their numbers in many landscapes and gardens especially when undisturbed by pesticide sprays. The first indication is that turf is not growing as vigorously as it should in spring despite adequate irrigation and fertility leaf tips firstly appear yellow and start rolling symptoms progress to.

Common couch the tif hybrids more resistant.