Integration of the Generalist Predator (Hemiptera: Nabidae) in a Greenhouse Strawberry Biocontrol Program with Phytoseiid Predatory Mites and the Entomopathogenic Fungus .

In strawberry production, western flower thrips (WFT) and two-spotted spider mites (TSSM) inflict feeding damage and reduce the yield. Biological control for these pests often includes phytoseiid predatory mites and entomopathogenic fungi. The hemipteran family Nabidae have been reported as prominent predators in open-field strawberry. Carayon is a new biocontrol agent developed in Canada. This study examined if this species was a good candidate for integration with biological control for greenhouse strawberry production. The laboratory trials showed that Athias-Henriot and Athias-Henriot were compatible with , especially when alternative food was available. In contrast, the nabid was not compatible with the (Balsamo) GHA strain. A greenhouse cage study was conducted to determine if it was beneficial to add to the phytoseiid-mites-based biological control program for WFT and TSSM in greenhouse strawberry. The release of on a banker plant together with the placement of sachets of (Oudemans) and (McGregor) was beneficial, not only potentially reducing the number of sachet applications, but also providing better pest control than phytoseiid mites alone. Neither the phytoseiids nor the numbers were significantly affected by the presence of each other.