EFFECTS OF SOAPS, OILS, AND PLANT-GROWTH REGULATORS (PGRS) ON NEOSEIULUS-CUCUMERIS (OUDEMANS) AND PGRS ON ORIUS-INSIDIOSUS (SAY)

Direct and residual toxicity of selected oils, a soap, azadirachtin, and plant growth regulators were evaluated on a candidate for thrips management, Neoseiulus cucumeris (formerly Amblyseius cucumeris) and plant growth regulators were evaluated for a second candidate for thrips management, Orius insidiosus. These predators and compounds must be compatible for incorporation into a management program. The plant growth regulators chlormequat, daminozide, and paclobutrazol were compatible with both N. cucumeris and O. insidiosus in both direct and residual experiments. Neoseiulus cucumeris was compatible with residues of all insecticide materials at the 1 and 2% rates. Exposure to 4% Uni-Par(R) oil residues resulted in 90% N. cucumeris mortality at 48 h. Mortality of N. cucumeris at 48 h following residual exposure to 4% Sunspray Ultrafine(R) oil was 64%. Insecticidal soap residues were more compatible than oils with only 25% N. cucumeris mortality following a 4% application. However, N. cucumeris was not compatible with direct application of oils or 4% insecticidal soap.