SwiLiv (Amblyseius swirskii) is a generalist predatory mite widely used in greenhouse crops for thrips management. It primarily feeds on juvenile thrips and whiteflies but can also survive on pollen when prey is scarce, ensuring continuous activity and population persistence.
Feeding Habits
SwiLiv (A. swirskii) actively hunts and feeds on thrips larvae and other soft-bodied pests. Both nymphs and adults contribute to population suppression, reducing damage to flowers and leaves. Its ability to feed on pollen allows it to remain in the crop even when thrips numbers are low, providing preventative control.
Lifecycle of Amblyseius swirskii
Egg Stage: Oval, opaque eggs are laid on the underside of leaves and hatch in 1 days.
Larval Stage: Non-feeding, lasting about 1 day.
Nymphal Stages (Proto- & Deutonymph): Active feeding stages, each lasting 4 days.
Adult Stage: Adults begin reproducing within 1 day of emergence. The full lifecycle completes in 7–10 days under optimal conditions, allowing rapid population establishment. Average reproduction is 1–2 eggs per day, with a sex ratio of approximately 5 females to 2 males.
Benefits
|
Benefit |
How It Helps Growers |
|
Direct suppression |
Nymphs and adults feed on thrips larvae, reducing hotspots quickly. |
|
Multi-pest protection |
Also feeds on whiteflies and multiple mite species. |
|
Persistence |
Can survive on pollen when thrips are scarce, maintaining population stability. |
|
Fast development |
Short lifecycle supports rapid build-up under favorable conditions. |
Storage Conditions
SwiLiv (A. swirskii) should ideally be used immediately upon arrival. If short-term storage is needed, keep at 8–10°C in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Storage should not exceed 1 daysto ensure predator activity and effectiveness.
Application Guidelines
Before release, gently roll the bottle to mix the mites without shaking. Sprinkle evenly across plant leaves, adjusting release rates according to crop type and thrips pressure. Regular monitoring ensures proper establishment.
Optimal conditions include temperatures of 24–27°C and relative humidity above 60%. SwiLiv (A. swirskii) performs best when released preventatively, allowing populations to establish before thrips outbreaks.
Recommended Release Rates
|
Strategy |
Release Rate |
Interval |
|
Preventative |
Adjust according to crop density and pest pressure |
Every 14–21 days |
|
Curative |
Higher rates may be required for established infestations |
Every 7 days |
Preventative releases allow growers to establish a stable population of SwiLiv (A. swirskii), reducing thrips pressure and avoiding costly curative interventions.