Thrips control Ambly-line d

Thrips control
Ambly-line d
Amblyseius (Iphiseius) degenerans
Product Description
Ambly-line d is a proprietary product containing the thrips predator
Amblyseius (Iphiseius) degenerans (Berlese), Phytoseiidae, Acari.
It is supplied to customers in units of 500 or 1000 mixed into vermiculite in 30cm³ vials for distribution onto the crop.
How does it work?
Amblyseius (Iphiseius) degenerans is an active predatory mite that originates in the Mediterranean region and North
Africa. It feeds on a wide range of food materials including thrips, but can survive and breed on a diet of pollen. It has
previously been tested as a control agent for spider mites, but did not perform well compared to Phytoseiulus persimilis
because it is not adapted to deal with the webbing, which is present in large colonies. It can however, offer some
additional control of low-density colonies of spider mites on pepper crops.
It has also been tried for control of Oligonychus spp. on Avocado in California. In the field, it has been collected from
smooth leafed plants such as Citrus and Ricinus communis.
The predator actively seeks out and attacks small arthropod prey, as well as feeding extensively on pollen when this is
present. The cuticle is pierced with the chelicerae while the prey is held still and the body contents of the prey are then
‘sucked out’. The mites are strongly cannibalistic if food is in limited supply, and females will eat males and all mobile
immature stages.
Adult females lay eggs on leaf hairs in confined spaces at the junctions of veins (refugia) and at curled leaf-margins.
Unusually, the mites often lay their eggs onto those laid earlier, even where these are laid by different females, and
quite large clusters can develop in choice sites. Eggs hatch after about two days at 25°C and total development at this
temperature occurs within one week.
Males attach themselves to protonymphs that will become female and mating occurs immediately after the moult.
Initial sex ratios are close to 50:50, but cannibalism rapidly reduces the number of males.
Trials in Holland showed that Amblyseius degenerans establishes well on pepper plants where pollen is in plentiful
supply. In these trials it outperformed Amblyseius cucumeris released at similar rates. It was shown to attack larger
thrips and tolerate lower humidity than Amblyseius cucumeris, and did not enter reproductive diapause in short day
lengths (Populations of Amblyseius cucumeris in use at that time were diapause susceptible, but current populations are
not). It is able to establish on pepper crops and prevents thrips populations from developing.
When and where should you use it?
Amblyseius degenerans should be released onto pepper plants at a rate of 0.5-2/m² once first flowers appear. It has also
been successful when released earlier, but the presence of pollen will enhance establishment.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OF AMBLY-LINE d.
(Amblyseius degenerans)
Keep vials horizontal and cool until use. DO NOT expose to direct sunlight at any time.

Gently rotate the vial to disperse the mites throughout the vermiculite immediately before opening.
Open the vial in the greenhouse.
Sprinkle the mixture onto the leaves of the crop, rotating continuously.
Ambly-line d. should be applied to a sweet pepper crop from flowering at 0.5 mites/m²
STORAGE
Use within 18 hours of receipt.
Transport and store in the dark at 6-8 C
Keep out of direct sunlight.
How should you use it?
On receipt of the vials keep them horizontal and cool until use. Use them as soon as possible, to preventas cannibalism
from will reducinge the numbers present. Immediately before use, tap each vial sharply against a hard surface to
dislodge the mites, and roll the vial gently between the hands to distribute the mites uniformly throughout the
vermiculite. Continue to roll the vial while releasing the mites, as they move very rapidly through this carrier material.
To release the mites, remove the cap, and gently tap the vermiculite carrier onto the top leaves of the plants. Distribute
the material as uniformly as possible throughout the crop, and do not place large numbers in any one location.
When should you not use it?
Amblyseius degenerans has proven very successful on protected pepper crops in Holland and England. In
Mediterranean countries it has proven to be difficult to establish on the same crop.
Do not use it as the single means of control if virus diseases transmitted by thrips are a concern, nor if large thrips
populations are already present.
Trials on cucumbers, tomatoes, many ornamentals and strawberries have been extremely disappointing. The mites have
been released at high rates, and yet are rarely recovered from the crop after release, and t. Thrips control has not been
adequate. It is surmised that the lack of pollen or some surface feature of the leaves of these plants does not encourage
the establishment of Amblyseius degenerans.
What will it do?
When used as directed, Amblyseius degenerans will help to control thrips populations on peppers in regions with
temperate climates.
What will it not do, and what are the control options?
Amblyseius degenerans has not been shown to control thrips populations on any crop other than peppers.
Alternative controls for thrips infestation include Orius spp, Amblyseius cucumeris, Hypoaspis miles and H. aculeifer.
Orius also performs best on pollen rich crops. Hypoaspis species will contribute to control when used with other
beneficials.
The Controlled Release System formulation of Amblyseius cucumeris (Ambly-line cu. CRS) performs well in
cucumbers, many ornamentals and also in peppers. Because each sachet contains a breeding colony of mites, whoich
are released onto the plants at a constant rate over a period of six or more weeks, this would be the favoured option for

control in most situations.
There are unfortunately , few chemicals whichchemicals, whichthat can be used to reduce thrips populations that are
compatible with the use of beneficial arthropods of any sort. In some countries, the fungal pathogens Verticillium
lecani and Beauveria bassiana are available and good results can be obtained where humidity can be maintained at
high levels.
Chemical compatibility
Amblyseius degenerans is sensitive to many insecticides and fungicides in common use. Check carefully before making
any applications.
The use of elemental sulphur as a fumigant to control powdery mildew in peppers causes a reduction in populations of
Amblyseius degenerans. Reduce the duration and frequency of use, and ensure that the predators are well established
before first use to improve the chances of continuing control.