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Amblyseius Cucumeris | Natural enemy against thrips 

The predatory mite cucumeris, also known as Amblyseius cucumeris, is the biological fighter of various types of thrips in vegetable and ornamental crops. Because the predatory mite also feeds on pollen and anther dust, it is often used preventively.  
Amblyseius Cucumeris, natural enemy against thrips
Kevin van Kester
Specialist Quality Controller | November 26, 2020 | 3 min. reading time

What is cucumeris? 

Cucumeris is a predatory mite from the Phytoseiidae A cucumeris family and is known as an effective thrips control agent. The predatory mite is active and very voracious. It searches the entire plant for its prey. On the menu is mainly the first larval stage of thrips. Nevertheless, they also feed on spider mites. Besides the above pests, the predatory mite feeds itself with pollen and anther dust. This has the advantage that the cucumeris can survive reasonably well without prey. This is also the reason why this predatory mite is often used preventively. 

How to recognize the predatory mite cucumeris

You can recognize the cucumeris by its light pink to reddish brown and sometimes yellow color. With a size of 0.5 mm the predatory mite is difficult to see with the naked eye. The predatory mite has a short life cycle. This has the advantage that they reproduce quickly to a large population.  

Which pests can you fight with cucumeris?  

You can use cucumeris against the following pests: 

The best conditions for cucumeris

The predatory mite is already active from 15°C, at temperatures around 25°C this predatory mite is best in its element. Above 33°C the predatory mite will not survive. It will search deeper into the crop in plant axils for a cool, humid environment to survive. 

Storage of cucumeris 

It is best to distribute or spread the predatory mite immediately after entering the crop. In a cool, dark environment the predatory mites can be stored for a short time. Separate the boxes so that the ventilation openings in the box are free.

How to use cucumeris? 

Cucumeris is available in two forms:
  • In tubes or bags that you scatter
    Both the tubes and bags contain tens to hundreds of thousands of predatory mites mixed with a carrier. This makes it easy to sprinkle the material over the crop. Another alternative is to blow the material over the crop. It is important to rotate the bag or tube well so that the contents are well mixed. Also during the application it is wise to keep mixing the material. Then gradually shake the material over the crop. If there are fireplaces, you can of course sprinkle more material here. Repeat this every two to four weeks, depending of course on the pest pressure.  
  • In grow bags that you hang between the crops
    The grow bags contain 1,000 predatory mites per bag. These grow bags can be hung on a hook in the crop. It is best to hang the bag between the leaves. When the sun shines on it, the quality can deteriorate faster.

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Amblyseius Cucumeris | Natural enemy against thrips 

The predatory mite cucumeris, also known as Amblyseius cucumeris, is the biological fighter of various types of thrips in vegetable and ornamental crops. Because the predatory mite also feeds on pollen and anther dust, it is often used preventively.  
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Kevin van Kester, product specialist Quality Controller
Kevin van Kester
Specialist Quality Controller | November 26, 2020 | 3 min. reading time
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Amblyseius Cucumeris, natural enemy against thrips
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What is cucumeris? 

Cucumeris is a predatory mite from the Phytoseiidae A cucumeris family and is known as an effective thrips control agent. The predatory mite is active and very voracious. It searches the entire plant for its prey. On the menu is mainly the first larval stage of thrips. Nevertheless, they also feed on spider mites. Besides the above pests, the predatory mite feeds itself with pollen and anther dust. This has the advantage that the cucumeris can survive reasonably well without prey. This is also the reason why this predatory mite is often used preventively.

How to recognize the predatory mite cucumeris

You can recognize the cucumeris by its light pink to reddish brown and sometimes yellow color. With a size of 0.5 mm the predatory mite is difficult to see with the naked eye. The predatory mite has a short life cycle. This has the advantage that they reproduce quickly to a large population.  
  

Which pests can you fight with cucumeris?  

You can use cucumeris against the following pests: 

The best conditions for cucumeris

The predatory mite is already active from 15°C, at temperatures around 25°C this predatory mite is best in its element. Above 33°C the predatory mite will not survive. It will search deeper into the crop in plant axils for a cool, humid environment to survive.

Storage of cucumeris 

It is best to distribute or spread the predatory mite immediately after entering the crop. In a cool, dark environment the predatory mites can be stored for a short time. Separate the boxes so that the ventilation openings in the box are free.

How to use cucumeris? 

Cucumeris is available in two forms:
  • In tubes or bags that you scatter
    Both the tubes and bags contain tens to hundreds of thousands of predatory mites mixed with a carrier. This makes it easy to sprinkle the material over the crop. Another alternative is to blow the material over the crop. It is important to rotate the bag or tube well so that the contents are well mixed. Also during the application it is wise to keep mixing the material. Then gradually shake the material over the crop. If there are fireplaces, you can of course sprinkle more material here. Repeat this every two to four weeks, depending of course on the pest pressure.  
  • In grow bags that you hang between the crops
    The grow bags contain 1,000 predatory mites per bag. These grow bags can be hung on a hook in the crop. It is best to hang the bag between the leaves. When the sun shines on it, the quality can deteriorate faster.

Contact form
Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Kevin van Kester will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.
Kevin van Kester, product specialist quality controller
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