CucuLiv (N. cucumeris) is a predatory mite used in greenhouse crops for controlling thrips and other small pests. It primarily targets thrips larvae but can also survive on pollen, making it suitable for both preventative and curative strategies.
Feeding Habits
CucuLiv (N. cucumeris) actively hunts thrips larvae on leaves and flowers, feeding by piercing and sucking out their body fluids. Its ability to feed on pollen ensures that it remains active even when thrips populations are low, maintaining continuous crop protection.
Lifecycle of Neoseiulus cucumeris
Egg Stage: Eggs are laid on the underside of leaves and hatch in 1–2 days.
Larval Stage: Non-feeding, lasting about 1 day.
Nymphal Stages (Proto- & Deutonymph): Feeding stages last 4–5 days each, actively preying on thrips larvae.
Adult Stage: Adults begin reproducing within 1 day of emergence. Full development from egg to adult takes 7–10 days under optimal conditions, allowing populations to establish quickly and suppress thrips effectively. Typical sex ratio is about 1 male to 2 females.
Benefits
|
Benefit |
How It Helps Growers |
|
Direct suppression |
Nymphs and adults feed on thrips larvae, reducing hotspots efficiently. |
|
Multi-pest protection |
Can also feed on certain pest mites and survive on pollen. |
|
Cost-effective |
Provides economical thrips control over multiple crop cycles. |
|
Population stability |
Survives on pollen when thrips are scarce, maintaining steady predator numbers. |
Storage Conditions
CucuLiv (N. cucumeris) should ideally be released immediately upon receipt. If short-term storage is necessary, keep in a cool, dry place at 10–15°C, away from direct sunlight, wind, and extreme temperatures. Storage should not exceed 1–2 days.
Application Guidelines
Before release, gently roll the bottle to mix mites without shaking. Sprinkle evenly over leaves, adjusting release rates based on crop type and thrips infestation. Regular monitoring ensures proper establishment.
Optimal conditions are temperatures of 24–27°C with relative humidity above 60%, which supports egg development and sustains multiple generations. Preventative releases establish a stable population before thrips outbreaks.
Recommended Release Rates
|
Strategy |
Release Rate |
Interval |
|
Preventative |
25–50 mites/m² |
Every 14–21 days |
|
Curative |
200–250 mites/m² |
Every 7 days |
Preventative applications are most cost-effective, building a steady predator population that suppresses thrips before infestations become severe.