The influence of pollen on combining predators to control Frankliniella occidentalis in ornamental chrysanthemum crops

Abstract

Small scale glasshouse trials showed that second instar nymphs of Orius laevigatus reduced Frankliniella occidentalis numbers (78–92%) more than Neoseiulus cucumeris (0–30%). Combining the predators did not increase reduction of thrips numbers (84–93%). Pollen did not increase thrips control, but led to an increase in the number of thrips.

Keywords:

• Orius laevigatus
• Neoseiulus cucumeris
• pollen
• supplemental food
• Frankliniella occidentalis
• biological control

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for funding this work.