Real Amblyseius cucumeris

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Real Cucumeris is a living mite control product that contains a predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris.

Amblyseius cucumeris is a beige mite less than 1/25-inch long, and is a predator of Thrips. It is very mobile on the underside of a leaf or in a flower

Packaging

For local market, Real Cucumeris are packed in 250 ml bottle containing 12500 live Amblyseius cucumeris.

We also pack in 500 ml bottle containing 25000 live mites.

Appearance

A beige mite less than 1/25-inch long. It is very mobile on the underside of a leaf or in a flower.

Optimum environmental conditions

Application

Rate of application:
  • 25–30 individuals per 1 m2
Method of application:

There are 2 methods of application;

  1. Shakers
    • Allow the mites in the tube to adjust to ambient temperature for five minutes before use active predators should be visible at the top of containers.
    • Turn and shake the tube to mix the predatory mites equally in the bran carrier.
    • Gently shake the content onto leaves throughout the greenhouse or growing media in contact with the plant stem.
  2. Slow-release bags
    • These bags produce large numbers of predatory mites over a period of 4-6 weeks and can be simply hung up in the crop using hooks
    • Hang sachets into the crop at rates of 0.25 – 1/m².
    • Suitable for use over the leaf petiole, or can be hung on crop wires amongst foliage
Timing of application:
  • Scout consistently and often. The best time to apply predatory mites is before pest populations reach their peak, so early application can increase their effectiveness.
  • Best results are obtained with temperatures between 20°C and 30°C.
  • Apply the product to crops as soon as night-time temperatures reach 15°C, and daytime temperatures are higher than 20°C.
  • It is well suited to use in crops grown in warm conditions.
  • Earlier application, before temperatures are sufficiently high, can reduce or prevent establishment.
  • Establishment will be most rapid on crops with ample pollen, such as pepper crops, as the pollen provides an alternative, high quality food source for the mites.
  • Crops without pollen will give slower establishment, but the use of sachets to give continuous releases of mites over several weeks will improve the results.

Mode of Action

Feeds on Thrips by piercing the victim by its chelicerae and sucks out the prey’s body fluids.

Supply options

Compatibility

Pesticides (insecticides, nematicides, fungicides, etc.) can have short or long-term negative effects on one or more stages of beneficial organisms. Please, be careful if or when choosing pesticides.

Seek advice from Real IPM consultants/Technical Assistants before introduction and afterwards monitor your spray program by looking at the Sensitivity and Compatibility charts

Storage

  • It is always better to use Real Cucumeris as soon as possible after receipt. If storage is unavoidable, keep at 10-15°C and at least 85% relative humidity for the shortest amount of time possible.
  • Keep the product in a dark place away from direct sunlight with enough ventilation to avoid the narcotic effects of a possible CO2
  • Nevertheless, always introduce the predatory mites as soon as possible to prevent unpredictable temperature fluctuations!