Introducing predatory mites into fruit orchards (BIOFRUITNET Practice Abstract)

Summary in the original language of the document

After the introduction of predatory mites, trees are healthier and more vigorous. They flower regularly and produce fruits with better flavour.
Practical recommendations
• Introduce predatory mites to trees, specifically the predatory mite Typhlodromus pyri (Picture 1), to all types of fruit trees (pith and stone fruit trees).
• Introduce Typhlodromus pyri using felt strips in which this predatory mite overwinters (Picture 2).
• Place felt strips on tree branches in winter, preferably in early spring when it is still cold, and Typhlodromus pyri is not yet active (Picture 3) and secure with an office stapler.
• Store the felt strips at a low temperature before use, for example, in a refrigerator, to avoid waking the mites up prematurely from hibernation.
• Apply one strip per tree. If the branches of the trees overlap, the mite will climb over to reach the other tree.
• A minimum number of ten individuals of the predatory mite per felt strip.
• The population of Typhlodromus pyri increases rapidly in the spring when temperatures increase. The mites begin to multiply and feed on pest eggs and larvae
• Expect better results in the second year after release, when the predatory mite has multiplied sufficiently.
• Introduction of Typhlodromus pyri is recommended into orchards with plastic covers where micro-conditions are favourable for the reproduction of sucking pests, and their occurrence is there often higher.
• Apply Typhlodromus pyri only once; they remain on the trees for decades and suppress pests for the lifetime of the trees.