Effects of miticides on biocontrols

摘要

Many growers use biological control as their major strategy for managing spider mites. Sometimes, however, the pest population gets out of balance with the predators and spot treatments with a miticide may be needed to regain a balance that favours the predators. In such instances, it is important to be aware of the effects that such applications could have on the population of natural enemies in the crop. Products that are registered in Canada for the management of spider mites include InsecticidalSoap, Vendex, Avid, and Dynomite. This article addresses the potential side effects of applications of these miticides.