General information
How does it work?
Amblyseius (Typhlodromips) montdorensis is a small predatory mite which feeds on many types of small arthropod prey and pollen. It was collected and tested by researchers in Australia as part of a programme to identify potential predators of Western Flower Thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis. It was one of the two best candidates identified, and was possible to rear commercially.
Adult female mites lay single eggs onto leaf hairs, and these eggs hatch after 1-2 days to give larvae. As with other mites in the same family, these moult to produce protonymphs and then deutonymphs as they grow. At 25°C, the entire cycle from egg to adult can take less than 7 days. All mobile stages are predatory. Extensive trials have shown that A. montdorensis is able to reduce thrips and whitefly populations in warm crops. A montdorensis has been successfully trialled in peppers, cucumbers, gerbera, roses and tomatoes.
Trials in Australia and France have shown that in strawberry crops, Amblyseius montdorensis, is able to reduce fruit damage and increase the number of Class 1 fruit produced. Unlike some other predatory mites, it is found extensively on green and red fruits and on leaves rather than in flowers.
Amblyseius (Typhlodromips) montdorensis is an active predator which consumes more thrips per day than the standard Amblyseius cucumeris, and is able to attack and kill second instar as well as first instar larvae. It lays more eggs per day, and populations of A. montdorensis grow faster than those of A. cucumeris when provided with adequate food.
When and where should you use it?
Apply the product to crops as soon as night-time temperatures reach 15°C, and daytime temperatures are higher than 20°C. It is well suited to use in crops grown in warm conditions. Earlier application, before temperatures are sufficiently high, can reduce or prevent establishment.
How should you use it?
Before opening the tube, mix the mites into the carrier material by tapping the base of the tube on a hard surface, then rolling the tube several times. Remove the end cap carefully, then distribute the carrier material and mites over the foliage of the crop. Take care that the carrier material does not fall to the ground immediately, or the mites will be lost. Apply the product as widely as possible over the crop in the areas of infestation.
When should you not use it?
Do not use in crops grown in cool conditions, or as the sole means of control when thrips populations are already very high, or when thrips adults are invading the crop in large numbers.
What will it do?
Used as directed, Amblyline m will reduce thrips populations and significantly reduce thrips damage in crops grown in warm conditions. Because it mainly attacks and kills first instar thrips larvae, it is best used before thrips populations become established.
What will it not do, and what are the control options?
Amblyseius (Typhlodromips) montdorensis will not provide control of thrips in crops where night-time temperatures are below 10°C. It will not prevent damage to crops by invading populations of adult thrips, nor will it provide immediate reductions of adults in established thrips populations.
In cooler crops, use the alternative and well tried product Amblyline cu CRS, which consists of sachets containing a living colony of Amblyseius cucumeris. Each sachet will release up to 4,000 predatory mites over a six week period.
Chemical compatibility
Note: Montyline m contains Amblyseius montdorensis, which cannot be released without appropriate permits in some countries. Check availability with your supplier before ordering product.