Vermiculite :
Vermiculite Production incorporates persimilis into vermiculite. The use of vermiculite is an excellent dispersion method in releasing predatory mites. There has been some contention over seeing the persimilis in the vermiculite medium. This has been a concern and the comments indicated the B iomites product was lacking in the numbers Photos below show difference in the size of the vermiculite particles Biomite uses the smaller sized vermiculite
Vermiculite- pred mite carrier:
Vermiculite- pred mite carrier
Top – Biomites vermiculite- smaller grain larger surface area Bottom- Other commercially used vermiculite- large grain smaller surface area:
Top – Biomites vermiculite- smaller grain larger surface area Bottom- Other commercially used vermiculite- large grain smaller surface area Smaller grain hides the persimilis more and brown colour makes detection harder. Quality and numbers are the same. This has been checked independently and shown to be of the same quality. The smaller grained material is better on tree crops, roses and cucumbers as it adheres better. As for berries either size is fine.
PowerPoint Presentation:
It is important that the vermiculite received contains fresh persimilis. Extracted predators should not be stored for too long as they loose vigor quickly. For most farms the material has been shipped 12-18 hours prior. As the material is fresh and cool from ice bricks the persimilis activity is more subdued. As the bottles warm the persimilis becomes more active. Fresh material is very important for establishment in the crop
PowerPoint Presentation:
Biomite leaf We are strong advocates of early predatory mite release When mite levels are low, leaf is the most economical and successful form of Pred mite establishment. This should be undertaken in August- September. If mites are active in the blocks than vermiculite release is fine. Leaf advantage Two predators for the price of one. Leaves contain both persimilis, and N.californicus . In the US, it is standard practice now to release both predators as both are very effective in TSM control.
PowerPoint Presentation:
Leaves harvested from berries with predators and placed into production rooms
Predators on strawberry leaf:
Predators on strawberry leaf
PowerPoint Presentation:
Inoculated strawberry leaves onto beans
PowerPoint Presentation:
Production Room