BeneficialBroad mite
Swirski mite for broad mite
Amblyseius swirskii · predatory mite
Against broad mite
Broad mites feed at the growing point, and the damage shows only later, as the tissue expands — so distorted leaves can keep appearing after the mites are gone, which is easily mistaken for failure. Trials on sweet pepper showed the Swirski mite controlling broad mite. Ontario's floriculture specialist advises introducing it early and at high rates over the life of the crop.
RateHot-spot rate, 100–300 /m², concentrated on the shoot tips
TimingEarly in susceptible crops, before distorted tips appear
Temperature20–32 °C best; not effective below 18 °C (Biobest: 15 °C)
macro · swirski mite on broad mite
The pestBroad mitePolyphagotarsonemus latusTwisted, bronzed, brittle shoot tipsFull pest profile →Before you order
Sprinkled onto the leaves or hung in slow-release sachets in warm crops, where it feeds on pollen as well as prey and can build up ahead of the pest. How it works, how to tell it has established and the supplier list are on the full Amblyseius swirskii profile.
Release calculator
How many do I need?
Area and infestation level in; quantity, cost and a weekly schedule out. Open the calculator →
Other controls for broad mite
- Neoseiulus californicusPredatory mite · No broad-mite rate is published; Biobest's spider-mite hot-spot rate is 100–200 /m²
- Amblyseius andersoniPredatory mite · 20–100 /m² (Biobest); 50–250 /m² weekly (Koppert)
- Amblyseius cucumerisPredatory mite · 50–100 /m² per release; up to 350 /m² at peak pressure (Cornell)