Californicus-Breeding-System - continuous stream of hungry predatory mites feast on pest mites
How does Californicus-System control spider mites?
- Broad-spectrum control – controls all life stages of spider mites and is also effective against broad mites, cyclamen mites and thrips.
- Effective at low pest pressure – remains active even when prey levels are low, making it an excellent choice for preventative releases.
- Voracious predator – an adult predatory mite consumes an average of 5 adult spider mites or nymphs and 10 eggs or larvae per day.
- Performs well under changing conditions – delivers reliable control in both warm, dry and cooler conditions, even when temperature and humidity fluctuate considerably.
- Survives without prey – can feed on pollen, allowing populations to establish and remain in the crop until spider mites appear.
When should you introduce Californicus-System?
- Start preventatively – introduce Neoseiulus californicus when plants begin flowering, even before spider mites are detected.
- Ideal at low pest densities – Californicus-System performs best while spider mite populations are still low.
- Strengthen control when needed – in heavier infestations, Californicus-System can be combined with Phytoseiulus-System, Feltiella-System or Delphastus-System for faster spider mite suppression.
How do you release Californicus-System?
- Distribute bulk material evenly – gently rotate the bottle horizontally and sprinkle the contents onto horizontal leaves. Leave the empty bottle in the crop so any remaining predatory mites can emerge.
- Hang breeding sachets correctly – place Californicus-Breeding-System sachets within the crop canopy, protected from direct sunlight.
- Do not damage the sachets – avoid squeezing, tearing or perforating the sachets. The predatory mites will leave naturally through the pre-made exit hole.
- Ensure continuous release – the breeding sachets release predatory mites gradually over a period of 4 to 6 weeks.
Under which conditions should you use Californicus-System?
- Suitable from 10°C (50°F) – Californicus-System can be released year-round at temperatures above 10°C (50°F).
- Excellent under fluctuating conditions – performs better than many other predatory mites when humidity is low or when temperature and humidity fluctuate significantly.
- Ideal for warm and dry crops – at 30°C (86°F), Neoseiulus californicus can complete its life cycle in just 4 days.
- Pollen supports establishment – because the predatory mites can survive on pollen, they remain active in the crop and are ready to control spider mites as soon as they appear.