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UV‐C irradiation as a management tool for Tetranychus urticae on strawberries
Author(s) -
Short Brent D,
Janisiewicz Wojciech,
Takeda Fumiomi,
Leskey Tracy C
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.5045
Subject(s) - tetranychus urticae , spider mite , acaricide , mite , biology , horticulture , ornamental plant , integrated pest management , pest analysis , toxicology , pest control , canopy , botany , agronomy
BACKGROUND Tetranychus urticae Koch, the two‐spotted spider mite, is a highly polyphagous and worldwide pest of many agricultural crops, including fruit, vegetables, and ornamentals. Typical methods of control include applications of acaricides and biological control agents. Here, we present a non‐chemical technology for management of T. urticae on strawberry plants through the use of a nightly short‐duration ultraviolet‐C (UV‐C) irradiation treatment. RESULTS Potted strawberry plants infested with T. urticae that received a nightly 60‐s exposure of UV‐C irradiation had significantly fewer live mites per mid‐canopy leaflet (fewer than five) than untreated control plants (> 175). Furthermore, none of the UV‐C irradiated strawberry plants had any spider mite webbing; whereas, 65% of untreated plants were webbed. Tetranychus urticae feeding on untreated plants caused significant yellowing of the leaves compared with UV‐C‐treated plants. CONCLUSION The UV‐C irradiation treatment maintained mite populations below the accepted economic threshold of five mites per mid‐canopy leaflet. No phytotoxic effects were visible on plants exposed to the short‐duration nightly UV‐C irradiation treatments. Further discussion is provided on the potential benefits of UV‐C irradiation for mite management. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.