Biopesticide transplant dips and foliar acaricide applications for control of cyclamen mite (Phytonemus pallidus) in...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Entomology
• Pest Management
• Strawberry Cultivation

Background:

• Cyclamen mite (Phytonemus pallidus) significantly damages strawberry plants, particularly new growth.
• Current control methods are limited, and mites are protected by plant structures, making them hard to manage.
• Mites spread easily from nurseries to fields, necessitating effective control strategies for transplants and established plants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of biopesticide dips for controlling cyclamen mite on strawberry transplants.
• To assess the effectiveness of novel acaricides (fenazaquin, pyridaben, spiromesifen, chlorfenapyr) against cyclamen mite in greenhouse and field settings.
• To determine the impact of these treatments on strawberry yield and fruit quality.

Main Methods:

• Strawberry transplants were immersed in various biopesticides (Captiva® Prime, EcoTrol® EC, Landscape Oil, SuffOil-X®, Kopa Insecticidal Soap) for 30 seconds.
• Greenhouse experiments involved foliar applications of fenazaquin, pyridaben, abamectin, spiromesifen, and chlorfenapyr, with mite counts and injury assessments.
• Field trials evaluated acaricide efficacy over time (2, 6, and 10 months post-application) and measured mite damage, yield, and fruit size.

Main Results:

• Biopesticide dips did not significantly reduce cyclamen mite populations or subsequent fruit damage compared to untreated controls.
• Greenhouse trials showed fenazaquin, pyridaben, and abamectin reduced mite numbers by over 90% and significantly decreased leaf injury.
• Field applications of fenazaquin, pyridaben, spiromesifen, and chlorfenapyr achieved 75-99% mite reduction, with fenazaquin, pyridaben, and spiromesifen improving yield and fruit size.

Conclusions:

• Biopesticide immersion is not an effective strategy for controlling cyclamen mite in strawberry transplants.
• Fenazaquin, pyridaben, and spiromesifen show significant promise for managing cyclamen mite in field strawberries, offering new control options.
• These acaricides can diversify the chemical control toolbox, helping to mitigate cyclamen mite damage and improve strawberry production.