Impact of strawberries cultivation pesticides on the population of Neoseiulus californicus predator (McGregor) (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, is considered one of the main pest of strawberry crop. Chemical control has been widely used to control this mite. Neoseiulus californicus is an efficient predator of T. urticae. The aim of this study was to evaluate the selectivity of some chemicals sprayed on strawberry crops to the predatory mite N. californicus, at laboratory conditions. The bioassay was conducted at the Laboratory of Entomology of Federal Institute of south of Minas State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The evaluated products were abamectin, sulfur, fenpropathrin, propargite, milbemectin, cyhexatin and iprodione, besides H2O as witness. The products were sprayed directly on predatory mites, using calibrated sprayers. The parameter evaluated was the mortality of predatory mites. The results showed that according to IOBC classification, abamectin is harmful; milbemectin, iprodione and propargite are slightly harmful; and sulfur, fenpropathrin and cihexatin are no harmful to N. californicus. The chemicals considered slightly and no harmful to N. californicus are promising to Integrated Pest Management of T. urticae on strawberry crops.