Potential of UV-C for management of two-spotted spider mites and thrips in Florida strawberry.

BACKGROUND

Major pests of Florida strawberry (two-spotted spider mites, Tetranychus urticae Koch; chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood; and western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande) are difficult to manage using only conventional chemical control. Previous research has demonstrated high mortality of T. urticae eggs after exposure to ultraviolet B (UV-B) light. Additionally, ultraviolet C (UV-C) light has been shown to suppress powdery mildew in strawberry at doses between 85 and 200 J m with no damage to the plant. Therefore, UV-C may also have the potential to be used as an integrated pest management tool for arthropod pests of strawberry. The objectives of this study were to: (i) determine the effect of UV-C on T. urticae, S. dorsalis, and F. occidentalis natural populations in open-field strawberry; and (ii) determine the effect of UV-C on T. urticae egg hatch after application in open-field strawberry. Field studies were conducted during the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 strawberry seasons in Florida, USA. Four treatments were compared: (i) foliar application of spinetoram in response to natural pest pressure; (ii) application of UV-C 200 J m twice a week; (iii) application of UV-C 350 J m twice a week; and (iv) a non-treated control.

RESULTS

In the field trials, suppression of T. urticae was observed at 350 J m in 2020-2021. In the other field trials, no effect was observed due to low natural infestations. No negative impact on yield was observed from UV-C applications.

CONCLUSION

UV-C shows promise as a component of an integrated pest management program for T. urticae in strawberry. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.