Screening commercially-available predatory mites for biological control of Megalurothrips usitatus

Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall) is a new invasive pest established in Florida. The species was first reported in March 2020 in Miami-Dade County and was associated with damage to bean flowers, buds, and leaves. Megalurothrips usitatus is a threat to legume crops, and it has already caused significant economic damage to snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) in Florida. Growers of snap beans have reported the need to apply insecticides at earlier stages and more frequently, which has resulted in increased production costs. Despite the intensive chemical treatment of the crop, significant losses are still being reported by Florida snap bean growers. Hence, it is necessary to explore alternative pest control measures. Implementing biological control strategies as part of an IPM approach may provide a feasible option, and Phytoseiidae mites are effective natural enemies from thrips. This study aims to evaluate the potential of three commercially available Phytoseiidae mites to control M. usitatus. Laboratory assays were conducted to evaluate predation and fertility of Amblyseius swirskii, Amblyseius degenerans and Neoseiulus cucumeris preying on M. usitatus.