Predatory mite, Amblyseius cucumeris for Thrip control

Predatory, Amblyseius (Neoseiulus) cucumeris mites are very small about 0.5 mm in size, tear (pear) shaped and tan colored mites that are currently used as beneficial biological control agents for the management of thrips, one of the most economically important insect pests of many greenhouse and field crops, fruit trees and ornamental plants. Both adult and nymph mites morphologically look alike but the nymphs are comparatively smaller than adults. Mite females lay eggs about 25-30 eggs amongst the very high concentration of thrip populations. Eggs hatch into very tiny nymphs that immediately start feeding on immature stages of thrips and also plant pest species of mites. This predatory mite, Neoseiulus cucumeris develop within 7-12 days as an adult and it can survive for 30 days at 20-25oC. Predatory, Neoseiulus cucumeris also performs best against thrips when relative humidity is above 40% but their activity is comparatively very high when relative humidity is between 65-70%. Predat