Conservation biological control of Tetranychus urticae by Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: tetranychidae, Phytoseiidae) in strawberry: The role of plant diversity

GUGOLE OTTAVIANO, M.F.; CÉDOLA, C.; SÁNCHEZ, N.E.; GRECO, N.M.

Niagara Falls, Canada

Congreso; Biological Control in the Americas, Past, Present & Future; 2010

International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC)

Plants surrounding the target crop in orchards can enhance the abundance of natural enemies providing alternative food and shelter. Neoseiulus californicus is a generalist predator established spontaneously in strawberry crops, in La Plata (Argentina). We identified alternative food for it in different crops and wild plants surrounding strawberry. Pollen of some wild plants blooming in different seasons would provide alternative food for this predator. In winter, the predator was associated to Tydeus sp. in artichoke. Since nymphs and adults of this mite were not eaten by N. californicus, in laboratory, artichoke could be a refuge more than a food resource.