The predatory mite, Neoseiulus cucumeris, belongs to the family Phytosiidae that includes numerous species of predatory mites. The life cycle of N. cucumeris encompasses an egg, larva, 2 nymphal stages and adult. Eggs are deposited individually or in clusters of 2-6 eggs at the lower side of the leaf on minute hairs protruding from the leaf veins. The egg is oval, 0.14 mm in diameter. The larva hatching from the egg grow 3 pairs of legs. It generally stays immobile adjacent to the egg. The subsequent nymphal stages bear 4 pairs of legs. They are active predators. The same goes for the adult stage, which is yellow-brown in color.
During the parasitoid larva's early development the host turns turbid white, and its mycetoms (two symmetrical round-shaped yellow-green bodies) disintegrate and migrate to the margins of the whitefly's body. Later on, the parasitoid pupa is clearly visible through the host's cuticular skin. The shape of the emergence hole helps to distinguish between a pupal skin from which a whitefly has emerged (T-shaped) and a pupal skin from which the parasitic wasp has emerged (round hole).

Developmental rate of N. cucumeris depends upon temperature, relative humidity and the type of food it preys upon. Development time, from egg to adult while feeding on Western flower thrips, takes 11, 9 and 6 days at 20°C, 25°C, and 30°C, respectively.

N. cucumeris female must mate several times in order to assure oviposition. At a temperature of 25°C the pre-oviposition period lasts about 3 days at the end of which a mated female lays 1-3 eggs/day and a total of 35 eggs in a life time that takes around 40 days. Sex ratio is normally female biased, i.e. 65% females.

N. cucumeris pierces the victim by its chelicerae and sucks out the prey's body fluids. In addition to the Western flower thrips (on which it preys only on the first instar larva) and broad mites, the predatory mite can feed on pollen. This trait enables preventive introduction of N. cucumeris on pollen-bearing plants, prior to the occurrence of the pest.


APPLICATION
N. cucumeris is packed in a 1-liter packet containing 25,000-50,000 predatory mites (according to customer's demand).
The predatory mites are mixed in bran that also inhabits the bran mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae that serves as a prey for N. cucumeris. The predator:prey ratio ranges between 1:2 to 1:10, and depends upon the type of the plant and the pest level. The higher the pest level, the lower the proportion of the bran mite, in order to stimulate the predator to forage for the pest on the plant. At a relatively low pest level the proportion of the bran mite will be higher to enable the predatory mite to maintain its population on the bran mite in the absence of the pest.
 THRIPEX® is applied in small heaps either directly on the plant's canopy or on the soil next to the plant, preferably close to a dripper that will provide the mites and the bran with adequate moisture.
The material is poured through a hole inserted in the packet's lid or with the aid of a spoon.
According to rate of introduction, the THRIPEX® material should be applied every few plants.
After 3-4 cumulative applications, at least every other plant should be treated with the predatory mites.

Application of THRIPEX® should be carried out upon receipt. It is not recommended to delay the application of the predatory mite. However, if necessary the material can be stored for 24 hours under temperatures of 10-15°C. In any case a closed package should never be left under direct sunlight.

Since N. cucumeris is able to maintain itself on pollen, it is recommended to apply THRIPEX® preventively (prior to the occurrence of the pest) on crops with ample amount of pollen in the flowers (e.g. sweet pepper). Curative introductions of the predatory mite should be exercised immediately upon spotting the pest.
The number of predatory mites to be introduced and the frequency of introductions should be determined according to the nature of the target crop and the level of infestation by thrips and/or broad mites.

N. cucumeris is susceptible (to a certain degree) to the common pesticides that are used to fight other pests in the crop. Therefore, before applying any pesticide, the user should consult Bio-Bee's field advisors and ask for updated information concerning side effects of pesticides on N. cucumeris.

Declaration:
Bio-Bee Sde Eliyahu Ltd. produces and markets biological products. Production is carried out using innovative techniques under controlled quality assurance standards such as ISO 9001:2000, as well as IOBC's international standards for mass-production of insects.
All products are tested to meet specification requirements before leaving the factory.
Bio-Bee is not responsible for the outcome of implementation in the field, as it has no control over the method of application, local conditions, treatment/storage of product not according to instructions, etc.