MONTECH contains Transeius montdorensis predatory mites which feed on Thrips in their immature stages, and are also known to feed on Red Spider Mites. MONTECH mites are active between 15-40ºC, making them perfectly suited to tackle Thrips in warmer climates.
MONTECH
Appearance
T. montdorensis are generally small, pale and pear-shaped with a body size of between 0.3 – 0.5mm long.
Introduction
Gently sprinkle MONTECH onto the crop. Hold the container in a horizontal position and rotate it carefully to evenly mix the predators with the carrier material. Sprinkle the entire contents of the container on to the crop foliage.
Mode of Action
MONTECH predatory mites actively hunt for and feed on their prey, including Thrips, whitefly, spider mites and hatching eggs, by crawling on affected plant leaves. The total life cycle from egg to adult is 7 days.
Adult females lay single eggs onto leaf hairs strategically among Thrips populations, eggs develop in 1 – 2 days. The larvae emerge and develop into protonymphs then deutonymphs which are also predatory, feeding on immature Thrips.
Environmental Conditions
Micro-humidity should be above 60% and temperature during the day should be around 21°C. MONTECH mites are active between 15-40ºC.
Application Rates
Apply 50-100 mites per m² or 500,000-1 million mites per hectare. Rates will be dependent on the estimated number of pests by way of scouting.
Storage
Use immediately upon receipt. Storage should be done at 15-18ºC.