Q.Preditory Mites Usage In Pumice Possible?
hi, I am in vienna. I kept all my kohlerias inside because I was afraid of pests. And now they are here. The first I found was Hypoaspis miles (syn. Stratiolaelaps scimitus), I think, after searching google. But if they were beneficial, why did they suck on the back of the leaves? I saw them! Then I found nymphs, looked like thrips(google). Then I breed them it came something that does not look like thrips, one did actually, the other one is brown…I then found something on my plant, but looked more like a fly kind? I am just upset. I donĀ“t know in which sequence I should use: nematods insectizid mites neem oil a stick in soil giving some chemical to the plant and the very important one…I took some of my plants, put in a bigger pots, at the gaps around I filled with pumice. The core is still soil. On top surface its just pumice covered. So it is a soil pumice mix. Can mites go in there to feed on eggs? Can thrips go through the pumice to the surface? what about nematods? can I even have tospovirus through thrips? So many older leaves have brown spots and crumbly dark edges. I have also no quarantine yet. How can I know if plants that I assume they are pestfree, are? whats the sense of quarantine then?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
I'm sorry, but I have to remove the link to the video.
Predatory mites will usually not feed on plants. They are predatory, and they will likely move on before trying to eat the plants. If they are feeding on the plants, then you can assume that they are plant eating insects.
As far plant viral infections go... Destroying the plant and all soil within the vicinity and starting fresh. But you will need to take samples to your local extension service, since identifying viral infections will not be possible without proper equipment.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Unfortunately, if they are feeding on your plants then they aren't predatory.Many species resemble each other, and it would be difficult to differentiate them. This is an active camouflage that allows them to sneak among their food source.
Since this is the case, I would use something a little more concentrated. Azadirachtin is the active ingredient in Neem oil, and will be more effective for an aggressive infection such as yours. With this being said, I would recommend using this, first.
After this, you can introduce predatory species as long as you don't spray them directly. They do not feed on leaves so they won't be affected by the azadirachtin.
This should prevent further infection, but to deal with the current one you may need fungicides.
These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/azadirachtin-vs-neem-oil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/natural-predator-for-thrips.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
Thank you so much. Global helpš¤. But I heard that predatory mites will suck at leaves if they can not find their food sources. Can this be true?
If u want you can see the leaf issue there. I am searching whole internet about tospovirus. Is there no antibiotics for plants? Will it prevent further spreading if I cut off the leaves?
