Integrated management of two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae on hops using hop β-acids as an antifeedant together with the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis

The effects on population development of two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae by sprays of hop beta-acids, a repellent and antifeedant of T. urticae, together with an inoculative release of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis were compared on tall and dwarf hops. The combination of the semiochemical with the predator was more effective than either factor singly on both hop types. The highest numbers of spider mites and their eggs were recorded on untreated plots. The sprays of beta-acids slowed the rate of increase of the pest and contributed more to the effect of the combined treatment early in the season when the predator was establishing itself on the crop. By harvest time, the predator was the more influential of the two factors.