{"product_id":"bugs-for-bugs-neoseiulus-californicus","title":"Bugs for Bugs Neoseiulus californicus","description":"\u003cp\u003eBugs for Bugs Neoseiulus californicus provides a robust predatory mite for spider mites and other specified pest mites. It can use pollen and alternative prey when the main pest is scarce, which makes it useful for preventative introductions as well as early treatment. The tube puts mites directly onto foliage, while slow-release sachets support a continuing release from breeding systems placed in protected crops.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCalifornicus feeds on all spider-mite stages and searches sheltered areas of the leaves where prey and eggs occur. Its own oval eggs are laid along veins, leaf hairs and other protected places. Because alternative foods help it persist, establishment does not rely on a large spider-mite outbreak already being present. That is useful when a crop has a history of mite pressure and the aim is to build a predator population early.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe species tolerates a broad range of conditions and is particularly useful where heat and drying make management difficult. It is used in field and protected fruit, vegetable and ornamental crops, and indoor plantscapes. Even so, well-watered, healthy plants and suitable humidity still improve establishment. Sachets require extra shelter: their breeding system is for protected cropping and needs to be kept away from direct sun, strong wind and heavy rain. Tube release and sachet placement therefore suit different crop situations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eInspect likely pest entry points and hotspots, including dry areas, crop edges and windward sides, then monitor marked release locations for pest and predator development. Californicus can be used alongside Persimilis where the programme calls for complementary predators. Its relative tolerance of some residues is not permission to disregard pesticides: harmful products can still disrupt establishment. Check previous treatments, release promptly and keep each format's storage conditions separate so the living material reaches the crop in suitable condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE:\u003c\/strong\u003e These are living mites with a short shelf life, so we don't hold them in store. Your order ships fresh, direct from the breeder.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eSpecies image credits: Photo: Institut Agro Montpellier; Novljan, M., Bohinc, T., Kreiter, S., Döker, I. \u0026amp; Trdan, S. (2023), The indigenous species of predatory mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) as biological control agents of plant pests in Slovenia, Acarologia 63(4):1048-1061, https:\/\/doi.org\/10.24349\/0p4s-gjtm, Figure 4. CC BY 4.0; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www1.montpellier.inrae.fr\/CBGP\/acarologia\/article.php?id=4653\"\u003esource\u003c\/a\u003e; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\"\u003eCC BY 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e. Cropped to square and resized. Photo: İsmail Döker; Novljan, M., Bohinc, T., Kreiter, S., Döker, I. \u0026amp; Trdan, S. (2023), The indigenous species of predatory mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) as biological control agents of plant pests in Slovenia, Acarologia 63(4):1048-1061, https:\/\/doi.org\/10.24349\/0p4s-gjtm, Figure 5. CC BY 4.0; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www1.montpellier.inrae.fr\/CBGP\/acarologia\/article.php?id=4653\"\u003esource\u003c\/a\u003e; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\"\u003eCC BY 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e. Cropped to square and resized.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bugs for Bugs","offers":[{"title":"10 Pairs \/ Slow-Release Sachets","offer_id":67640392810654,"sku":"PLACEHOLDER355213213222","price":12.5,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"10000 Mites \/ Tube","offer_id":67640392843422,"sku":"PLACEHOLDER355213213308","price":27.5,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/5261\/6094\/files\/Bugs_for_Bugs_Neoseiulus_californicus_-_Adult_Mite_Feeding_-_01.png?v=1793417919","url":"https:\/\/www.hydrooasis.com.au\/products\/bugs-for-bugs-neoseiulus-californicus","provider":"Hydro Oasis","version":"1.0","type":"link"}