Residual effect of commonly used insecticides on key predatory mites released for biocontrol in strawberry

Florida is the second largest producer of strawberries in the United States. However, the production system faces numerous challenges, especially Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) infestations. Management of this pest involves applying insecticides and use of predatory mites, particularly Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot, Neoseiulus cucumeris Oudemans, and Neoseiulus californicus McGregor (Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae). Strawberry growers in Florida are concerned about the compatibility of the commercial formulations of insecticides used in strawberry pest management with predatory mites. This study assessed the residual effect of commercial insecticides used in strawberry production on the survival, feeding, and oviposition of the 3 predators. Using Munger cells, predators were exposed to commercial formulations of spinetoram, cyantraniliprole, azadirachtin + pyrethrin, Beauveria bassiana, Cordyceps javanica, capsicum, garlic, and canola oil extracts, and water control. There was a gradual decline in the survival and feeding of predatory mites when exposed to all insecticides. Spinetoram had the highest impact on the survival and feeding of all predators compared to other insecticides, while C. javanica had the lowest impact. Cyantraniliprole and azadirachtin + pyrethrin significantly reduced predator survival after 72 h of exposure, whereas capsicum, garlic, and canola oil extracts caused a similar reduction after 96 h. All predators consumed low proportions of S. dorsalis across all treatments. Oviposition was low in all treatments, with no discernable variation among treatments. These results highlight the potential of using entomopathogenic fungi in conjunction with A. swirskii, N. cucumeris, and N. californicus for the management of S. dorsalis and T. urticae in strawberries.