Persimilus 
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Persimilus
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Phytoseiulus persimilis Phytoseiulus persimilis is a shiny, red, pear-shaped predatory mite [0.5 mm-1/50 in] with long legs. Persimilis moves faster than spider mites so is an effective control. The eggs of persimilis are oval and twice as big as spider mite eggs. Larvae and nymphs are pale pink to light red. The nymphs and adults feed on all stages of the spider mite. Phytoseiulus persimilis is delivered in a bottle with vermiculite, or on bean leaves with 1,000 or 2,000 adults and nymphs. Apply bean leaves to the upper canopy of plants distributing evenly, sprinkle the vermiculite on the infected plants, try to distribute them as evenly as possible. Introduce the beneficials as soon as possible after receipt, if storage is necessary, keep them at 8 -10° Celsius [46-50° F]. Curative: 2 - 4 per square meter [0.2 - 0.4 per square foot], repeat after 2 weeks if necessary. Hotspots: 20 - 50 per square meter [2 - 5 per square foot], repeat if necessary. Phytoseiulus persimilis is sensitive to high temperature and low relative humidity's, humidity of 60% or lower has a negative effect on the hatching of the eggs and development of larvae. If spider mite problems occur in a hot and dry environment, Feltiella acarisuga, Phytoseiulus longipes or Amblyseius californicus will provide better control. Misting or spraying the infected plants with pure water if humidity drops after the persimilis is applied. |
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