Anthocorid bugs

Conotrachelus nenuphar Lygus bugs Anthocorid bugs Scarabaeid grubs Phytoseiid mites... 

ANTHOCORID BUGS (anthocoridae). These include the genera Anthocoris and Orius. Whereas bugs of the Anthocoris genus, which are larger in size, are the most important enemies of the pear leafsucker, the smaller Orius species feed on spider mites. The Anthocoris hugs also feed on aphids. 

ENEMIES. Under natural conditions the red spider mite has very many enemies and should therefore not be a major problem in organic production. By far the most important enemy is the predatory mite, but globe beetles, green lacewings and the anthocorid bug Orius minutus can also provide valuable assistance. Depending on weather conditions, in some years these predators can achieve control of spider mites even without the aid of predatory mites. 

In recent years there has been natural regulation of pear suckers by hoverfly larvae in June. The hoverfly appears to develop better in cold, wet periods than the anthocorid bug. In knockdown tests and visual inspections, 80% of the predators were hoverflies. 

INSPECTION AND DAMAGE THRESHOLD. First flowerffig visual inspection of the blossom trusses for leaf suckers and anthocorid bugs at any stage of development. 

The damage threshold is very difficult to determine, as it depends on the anthocorid bug population. 

The most important control measure is conservation of anthocorid bugs. 

DIRECT. The pear sucker is a pest which can very effectively be kept under control by organic control measures. In years with poor weather conditions in June and July, however, the development of anthocorid bugs may be too slow. There may then be an explosive increase in the pear sucker population. 

The following measures should be applied if pear suckers have got between the fruits or if inspections give the impression that the anthocorid bugs are no longer able to create a stable situation ... 

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