Amblyseius californicus

Californiline biological control agent contains the predatory mite, Amblyseius californicus. It is a generalist predator targeting various spider mite species including two-spotted mites.

Key Features

Generalist predator which can also feed on pollen and other arthropods.
Persists longer in the crop than many other spider mite predators.
Active in high temperature and low humidity conditions.

Main uses

Two-spotted spider mite
Carmine mite

How it works
Available delivery systems
Handling & Storage
Downloads

How It Works

Feeds on mites in the family Tetranychidae, including the common two-spotted mite, Tetranychus urticae, and the carmine mite, Tetranychus cinnabarinus.

Total development time at 21°C / 69.8°F is nearly 10 days, while at 30°C / 86°F development time is reduced to five days. These temperatures align with the temperatures at which their principal prey, the two-spotted spider mite, develops.

The Tetranychus urticae lifecycle is 16 and 7 days at these temperatures, respectively. Amblyseius californicus is active within the temperature range of 13-35°C / 54-95°F.

Available delivery systems

Sachets

Sachets release a breeding colony of mites onto the plant, even before the target pest is present. The breeding colony is contained within a small paper sachet, which is carefully designed to maintain the colony in good condition. Mites continue to emerge from sachets over several weeks and in much higher numbers than with a single broadcast release.

Mini sachets

Mini sachets are best used where the leaves of plants are not expected to touch or grow together. Beneficial predators are less able to disperse throughout these crops, Mini sachets gives more release points and therefore better distribution of predators.

Mini sachets are smaller than CRS sachets and can be introduced at a higher rate.
For advice on recommended release rates, consult The Bioline App.

Gemini sachets

Gemini sachets are best used with crops that are watered via overhead irrigation or where a horizontal wire or string exists. Gemini sachets are water-resistant because the release holes are inside the folded sachets, so the contents are protected from the water. Gemini sachets offer the following benefits:

Unique, patented, water-resistant twin sachet design with two predator-breeding compartments.
Water runs off outer surface and keeps inner surface and emergence holes dry, so sachet contents are protected.
There is no hook to get wet, so sachets remain in plants.
Water-resistant design allows for maximum emergence of predatory mites.

Bulk Bags & Tubes

Available as loose material in 125ml bottle containing 2,000 mites or 1L cardboard tube containing 25,000 mites.
For advice on recommended release rates, consult The Bioline App.

Handling & Storage

Instructions for Gemini or Mini Sachet

Do not hang adjacent to heating pipes.
Do not hang sachets where they will be directly exposed to intense sunlight.
Open the shipping box of sachets in the crop.
Separate sachets by tearing along perforations.

Instructions for Bulk Tubes

Keep containers horizontal and cool until use.
Do not expose to direct sunlight at any time.
Immediately before opening, gently rotate the container to distribute mites evenly throughout the carrier.
Open each container in the crop when ready to use.
Sprinkle the mixture onto the leaves of the crop, applying more into and around developing spider mite colonies.

Storage and transport

Keep out of direct intense sunlight.
Transport and store at 10-15ºC /50-59ºF and >65% humidity.
Use within 18 hours of receipt.