Biological control of redlegged earth mite and lucerne flea by the predators Anystis wallacei and Neomologus capillatus [Halotydeus destructor; Sminthurus viridis]. [Workshop paper]
1995
Michael, P. (Western Australian Dept. of Agriculture, South Perth)
Anystis wallacei preferred redlegged earth mite and Neomologus capillatus preferred lucerne flea in the insectary. Feeding tests showed that 100 A. wallacei per square metre can kill 16 000 redlegged earth mites in one pest generation. Two types of field trials were conducted using a novel barrier system. The addition of both predators into ungrazed plots reduced peak pest numbers by more than two thirds, while vegetative and seed yields were more than doubled. Pest numbers were low in mown plots but peak populations of redlegged earth mite and lucerne flea were reduced by 80 and 60 percent respectively. A. wallacei was reared in field cages for two years at greater densities than naturally occurring in the field. Predators survived in much greater numbers than pests after sprays of common pesticides.
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