D3129: Evaluating the impacts of biorational pesticides on twospotted spider (Tetranychus urticae K.) and predatory mites in high tunnels

Monday, November 11, 2024

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST

Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 6, PCC

Presenting Author(s)

Leslie A. Aviles Lopez

Graduate Student
Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana

Co-Author(s)

Laura L. Ingwell (she/her/hers)

Assistant Professor
Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana

High tunnels (HT) provide a protected environment for specialty crop farmer to grow crops. Cucumbers (Cucumis sativa L.) thrive in HT systems due to their vertical growth and continuous flowering, which allows for efficient use of space and multiple harvests. However, the twospotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch; TSSM) poses a significant threat to cucumbers in these settings. Often, farmers fail to detect TSSM infestations until substantial damage has occurred, making control difficult. Current management recommendations, derived from field or greenhouse systems, predominantly involve conventional miticides, which do not meet the needs of HT growers seeking organic pest management solutions. Growers face challenges in selecting the most effective and economical methods for TSSM management due to the lack of research tailored to HT environments. This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating biorational products and their compatibility with biological control in a series of laboratory assays. We used eight different products Azera®, AzaGuard®, Bioceres®, Captain Jack's Neem Oil Concentrate®, Grandevo®, Insecticidal soap® Pyganic®, Venerate®. First, we examined the oviposition deterrent effects on TSSM adults. Second, we examined the mortality effects on both TSSM nymphs and adults, as well as beneficial predatory mites, including Amblyseius andersoni, Neoseiulus californicus, N. cucumeris, N. fallacis, and Phytoseiulus persimilis. The findings will help growers in choosing biorational products that effectively manage TSSM populations while minimizing adverse impacts on predatory mites. This research provides valuable insights into sustainable pest control strategies in HT cucumber production.