M. L. de Klerk, P. M. J. Ramakers. 1986. Monitoring population densities of the phytoseiid predator Amblyseius cucumeris and its prey after large scale introductions to control Thrips tabaci on sweet pepper. Mededelingen van de Faculteit Landbouwwetenschappen, Rijksuniversiteit Gent 1986 Vol.51 No.3a pp.1045-1048

Keywords: Amblyseius cucumeris, Amblyseius mckenziei, biocontrol, crop protection, glasshouses, onion thrips, predaceous mites, predacious mites, surveillance systems, vegetable crops

Abstract. This paper was presented at the XXXVIII International Symposium on Crop Protection. After several years of studying the predacious phytoseiids Amblyseius mckenziei and A. cucumeris as biological control agents against Thrips tabaci on vegetables in glasshouses in the Netherlands, it was concluded that control on sweet peppers [Capsicum annuum] was sufficiently reliable to offer this method to commercial growers. A large-scale biocontrol programme was begun in 1985 on 53 sweet-pepper holdings (68 ha). This programme was supported by systematic leaf sampling to monitor pest and predator populations, the results of which are presented.