Limoline al is a product containing the predatory mite Amblydromalus limonicus (Garman and McGregor), Acari, which originates from tropical and warm temperate zones of North, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and New Zealand.
It was originally described from citrus in California, and is also known by the names Amblyseius limonicus and Typhlodromalus limonicus. Genetic analysis by Syngenta suggests that it is identical to T. lailae (Schicha 1979) from Australia.
It has been found on kiwifruit, citrus, strawberry, pawpaw, peach, tomato, corn, grapevine, avocado and cotton
This mite is used for control of thrips and whitefly. It will also give some reduction in other small pest species.
It is supplied in bottles in a vermiculite carrier containing food to aid establishment on the crop.
How does it work?
Amblydromalus limonicus is a small predatory mite which feeds on many types of small arthropod prey and pollen. It has been found in South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, New Zealand and Australia. Limoline al was collected in California.
It has been recorded on a very wide range of different crops such as tropical fruits, strawberries, tree fruit, grapes, cotton and cassava. It will prey on Western Flower Thrips, (Frankliniella occidentalis), Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum and Bemisia tabaci)and many other pests.
It was identified as a strong candidate for development more than 20 years ago, as it quickly reproduces in the presence of prey. Difficulties in production limited availability until now.
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 25.7°C, it can produce 2.7 eggs per day. The entire cycle from egg to adult can take less than 7 days. All mobile stages are predatory. A. limonicus requires higher humidity than similar predatory mites for egg hatch. Extensive trials have shown that A. limonicus is able to reduce thrips and whitefly populations in warm crops. It is also known to prey on spider mite, but it can become entangled in the presence of webbing.
Limoline al has been successfully trialled in cucumbers and roses. Other crop uses are still under development.
A. limonicus is an active predator that consumes many more thrips per day than other well known predatory mites. Unlike Amblyseius swirskii and A. cucumeris, it is able to attack and kill second instar as well as first instar thrips larvae. It lays more eggs per day than other predatory mites, and populations of A. limonicus will grow faster, but they will only do so in warm humid conditions and if prey is plentiful.
When and where should you use it?
It should be used when high levels of Thrips or whiteflies are present and is often used in conjunction with other predatory mites such as Montyline am or Swirskiline as. It is a very useful addition to the range of predators that are now available to growers, but intra competition between different should always be considered as this may present a problem with certain predator combinations.
How should you use it?
Before opening the bottle, mix the mites into the carrier material by tapping the base of the bottle on a hard surface, then rolling the bottle several times. Remove the cap carefully and 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.
Instructions for Use of Limoline al (Amblydromalus limonicus)
· Limoline al is available in units of 2,000 mites in a 125ml bottle for use in “Hot Spots” or 10,000 mites in 500ml bottles for general releases
· Keep bottles horizontal and cool until use. DO NOT expose to direct sunlight at any time.
· Immediately before opening, tap the base of the bottle sharply on a solid surface to dislodge the mites from the inner surface, and gently roll the vial/ bottle to distribute them evenly throughout the carrier material.
· Open each bottle in the glasshouse when ready to use it.
· Apply the mites by inverting and tapping the bottle over the infested leaves.
· Leave the empty bottle and lid on infested plants to allow any remaining predators to escape
· Introduce Amblydromalus limonicus as one or more applications at 50/ m².
· In ‘Hot Spots’ a unit of 2,000 should be spread onto plants in the affected area.
Storage
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, Limoline al will reduce thrips and whitefly populations and significantly reduce damage in selected crops.
What will it not do, and what are the control options?
Amblydromalus limonicus 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 more than 4,000 predatory mites over a six week period.
Chemical compatibility
Note.
Limoline al contains Amblydromalus limonicus which cannot be released without appropriate permits in some countries. Check availability with your supplier before ordering product.