Releasing Phytoseiulus persimilis in the strawberry fields

This week, some of our students released Phytoseiulus persimilis in our strawberry fields. These predatory mites feed on two-spotted spider mites, a serious pest of strawberries. For this method to be successful, a proper balance between predator and prey must be struck. It requires good timing and proper conditions but California growers know how to make it work!

Predatory mites are one of the many non-chemical means of controlling pests in California strawberries.