Miticidal Tools for Management of Southern Red Mites Infesting Southern Highbush Blueberries

• DOI: 10.20944/preprints202305.0184.v1
• Publication Date: 2023-05-04T06:16:43Z
• Authors: Lorena Lopez; Oscar Liburd
• Keywords: mite injury; tetranychids; Science; Q; predatory mites; Florida; tetranychids; mite injury; bronzing; predatory mites; highbush blueberry; Florida; bronzing; highbush blueberry; Article

Tetranychid outbreaks have been detected since 2016 in southern highbush blueberries (SHB); however, it was not until 2019 when the red mite (SRM), Oligonychus ilicis (Acari: Tetranychidae) confirmed as pest causing severe bronzing and stunting, multiple Florida Georgia commercial blueberry plantings. There is little known about management of SRM SHB only three miticides (fenazaquin, fenpyroximate, acequinocyl), recently registered for use between 2020. Similarly, there no knowledge regarding existence natural enemies SHB. This first report naturally occurring predatory mites (Amblyseius sp. Neoseiulus ilicis) associated with Predatory were recorded treated bushes after evaluating performance seven used to manage populations including spiromesifen, acequinocyl, sulfur, sulfur + molasses, bifenazate, fenazaquin. Miticide efficacy rated based on number collected leaves plant damage ratings using an arbitrary index (from 0= 4= 100% bronzing). Additionally, presence or absence per sample recorded. Fenpyroximate standard miticide, significantly reduced numbers days application, well acequinocyl Only plants fenpyroximate fenazaquin showed less compared control plants. Overall, demonstrated best managing O. safe mites. Lastly, level growers’ awareness assessed surveys 2020 design adequate educational materials available grower community.