hookahhead

Pictures of the seedlings, San Juan is middle row, second column from the left.

NE here, as soon as we break our winter freeze I'd be willing to trade some of my nitrogen freaks. I'll take updated pics here soon. I also have some seedlings/seeds. Message me the beginning of April?

I'm going to start looking into some methods for raising/maintaining these beneficial organisms. Here's a start with mealybug destroyers since they have caught our attention and are outrageously priced... Mass culture of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri: Adults of C. montrouzieri were obtained from the Mass rearing unit, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University. It was mass multiplied on the mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso) infesting pumpkin fruits (Cucurbita moschata) as described by Chacko et al. (1978) under laboratory conditions of 26±2°C and 60-70% R.H. Each breeding cage yielded 100-200 beetles. The beetles were collected from the breeding cages with an aspirator, released in a plastic jar (14x11.5 cm) and fed on 50% honey solution. Twenty-day old adults were used for release after completing their premating and pre-ovipostion periods as recommended by Tirumala and David (1958). Six shrubs of croton, 20 years old, 2.5-3.0 m height and 2.0 m width, highly infested by citrus mealybug, P. citri grown in Orman garden located at Giza governorate, in Egypt were chosen for this study. The shrubs of croton were divided into two groups, 1st one (3 replicate shrubs) was treated with the predator, while the latter one (3 replicate shrubs) was left untreated as a control. The ratio of release was 50 adults of predator per one croton shrubs. Release was made once (inoculation release) in the early morning of October, 27, 2008. Sampling was carried out every ten days starting from Oct. 27, 2008 (just prior to release) up to January, 30, 2009. Each sample consisted of 20 leaves per croton shrub. Samples were transferred to the laboratory for examination under a stereo-microscope. Number of egg masses, nymphs and adults of P. citri were counted. Also, numbers of the associated natural enemies; Scymnus syriacus, Sympherobius amicus,Chrysoperla carnea and the parasitoid, Coccidoxenoides peregrinus were also counted. Google translate of Chacko et al. (1978) abstract: A method by which the predator / Cryptolaemus montrouzieri / can be raised in a lab ( India) is described. / Planococcus lilacinus / and / Planococcus citri / : As a means of food for insects were used. They were raised in a middle of squash . Predators , as adults , were released when aphid populations were fully developed . The female parasites that feed on mealybugs , also ovopositaron between them. The development of the predator , from egg to adult takes about a month in the greenhouse at an average temperature of 25 degrees C . Between 1976 to 1977 severe outbreaks of mealybugs were presented in coffee states of South India ( Kerala) . Among the coffee plantations / Cryptolaemus montrouzieri / was released in November 1976 and although there was established in April 1977 a large number of adults was observed. A few larvae of the parasite were recovered in a coffee plantation infested , about 10 kilometers from the release site . The predator virtually eliminated mealybugs this plantation . After the rains of the southwest monsoon season (June- September 1977) the predator was not found , but in December was again present, new releases of parasites were made to strengthen it .

Updated post 2 to contain most of the parasitoids and pathogens now. AZS I still have to add mantids in there somewhere Heres a few I found interesting.. some info from wiki on "mealybug destroyers" Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, common name Mealybug Ladybird[2] is ladybird species endemic to Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. Unlike many of the often brightly coloured Coccinellidae, it is predominantly brown and has no spots. It has been used as a biological control agent against Mealybugs and other Scale insects. As a larva it apparently looks like the mealybugs they prey on, a case of aggressive mimicry.Within Australia C. montrouzieri was introduced to Western Australia as a biological control agent.As imported species As biological control agent outside Australia, C. montrouzieri has the common name Mealy bug destroyer. C. montrouzieri was introduced into California in 1891 byAlbert Koebele to control the citrus mealybug. It has also been introduced to New Zealand for biocontrol. See also: Cassiculus venustus (native New Zealand species which also feeds on mealybugs) Coccinella leonina (native New Zealand species which specializes on aphids.

Post 2 has been updated to include all of the predators for the referenced site. I would be happy to add any that someone else might find. Kykeion I am going to work on the pathogens section next, maybe something in there can help you? Any other thoughts on biological controls specifically raising/rearing beneficial insects?

Kykeion, that problem is why I included the commercial availability with each organism. Please don't let this deter you though, do a little research on the organism yourself. Just because you can't buy it from Amazon doesn't mean that it's not accessible. Over the next few weeks I am going to try and compile what I can on the collection/cultivation of several species. Who knows maybe we can start trading bugs ;)?

Lady Beetle as Pests? Lady beetle, lady beetle fly away from my home! Almost everyone knows lady beetles eat many nuisance pests such as aphids and scale insects. Since they help reduce the density of pest insects, they are often called "beneficial insects" or "biological control agents". Several species of lady beetles have been introduced into the U.S. from other countries over the last century and have proven effective in controlling pest insects on farms and in gardens. However, in the last couple of years, we have had many e-mails from people in several parts of the United States and Canada describing how lady beetles have invaded their homes and become a nuisance to them. People have reported that the lady beetles "bite", give off a bad smelling fluid when disturbed, and may even cause people to develop allergies. While many people recognize their value as beneficial insects and do not want to kill them, they also do not want them as nuisances in and around their homes. Most lady beetles do not become nuisances to people, however, the multicolored Asian lady beetle (MALB) can. Based on the descriptions people supply us with, in those cases when a lady beetle has become a pest we believe it is the MALB. For further information on MALB and a strategy to control them, click here.

*A species will appear multiple times on this list when they are effective against several pests. Aphids: Ladybeetles: Coccinella septempunctata Reported prey include pea, cowpea, green peach, potato, corn leaf, melon aphids, and greenbug. Commercial Availability: This species has been mass reared, but at this time is not commercially available. Harmonia axyridis Many species of injurious soft-bodied insects such as aphids, scales, and psyllids, including pecan aphids, red pine scale, balsam twig aphids, and pine bark adelgid. Commercial Availability: Not available commercially at this time. Coleomegilla maculata C. maculata adults and larvae are important aphid predators but also prey on mites, insect eggs, and small larvae. Unlike most lady beetles, plant pollen may constitute up to 50% of the diet. Reported prey include pea, green peach, melon (cotton), cabbage, and potato aphids and greenbug; eggs of European corn borer, imported cabbageworm, fall webworm, and corn earworm; asparagus beetle, Mexican bean beetle, and Colorado potato beetle eggs and larvae. In trials to assess this lady beetle for control of Colorado potato beetle, it appeared to prefer aphids over beetle eggs and larvae. Commercial Availability: Available commercially. See the off-site publication, Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms in North America, page of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation website. Also available through Entomos, LLC ([email protected]), 4445 SW 35th Terrace, Suite 310 Gainesville, Florida 32608, 352-371-6490. Hippodamia convergens Adults and larvae prey mainly on aphids. Reported prey include cotton, pea, melon, cabbage, potato, green peach, and corn leaf aphids. If aphids are scarce, beetles and larvae may feed on small insect larvae, insect eggs, mites and, occasionally, nectar, and honeydew secreted by aphids and other sucking insects. Convergent lady beetles have been recorded as predators of asparagus beetle eggs and larvae and potato psyllids. Commercial Availability: Commercial insectaries distribute beetles that have been "harvested" from natural winter aggregation sites. If lady beetles are collected in this dormant state and transported for field release, even among aphid infestations, they usually migrate before feeding and laying eggs. This migratory behavior before feeding is obligatory. Releases of such "harvested" convergent lady beetles could be a waste of time, money, and beetles. Insectaries may feed the adult beetles a special diet after they have been collected to minimize their migratory behavior. Only such preconditioned beetles should be purchased. Additionally, these harvested beetles may be parasitized. See the off-site publication, Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms in North America. Bugs: Campylomma verbasci Common prey include aphids, mites, thrips, and pear psylla. Commercial Availability: C. verbasci is not known to be commercially available. Deraeocoris nebulosus This predator feeds on whiteflies, aphids, psyllids, scales, mites, and lace bugs (Wheeler et al. 1975, pers. obs.). In captivity it tends to cannibalize unless provided with hiding places. Commercial Availability: Deraeocoris nebulosus has never been commercially available, though D. brevis was available until early 1998 when it was taken off the market due to labor-intensive rearing methods and decreased demand. Research that is underway to develop mass-rearing methods for D. nebulosus might result in its eventual availability. Geocoris spp. Bigeyed bugs feed on a wide variety of prey smaller than themselves. They are among the most important natural enemies in cotton. They feed on eggs and small larvae of most lepidopteran pests (bollworm, pink bollworm, tobacco budworm), on the eggs and nymphs of plant bugs (e.g., lygus), and on all life stages of whiteflies, mites and aphids. There are 67 species included in a list of prey organisms fed on by bigeyed bugs (Crocker and Whitcomb 1980). Cohen and Byrne (1992) observed that Geocoris use salivary secretions to adhere whitefly wings to a stable surface to allow feeding. Commercial Availability: It has been demonstrated that repeated generations of bigeyed bugs can be reared on an artifical diet, and that commercially-reared bigeyed bugs had similar effectiveness as predators to their wild counterparts (Hagler and Cohen 1991, Cohen 2000, Pendleton 2002), suggesting that they have great potential as biological control agents. An artificial, meat-based diet for rearing Geocoris was first developed by Allen Cohen (Cohen 1985). An extensive survey of suppliers of beneficial insects and research scientists familiar with Geocorisindicate that the insects arenot in commercial production at the time of this writing (late 2011). Orius spp. Both immature stages (nymphs) and adults feed on a variety of small prey including thrips, spider mites, insect eggs, aphids, and small caterpillars. Orius holds its prey with its front legs and inserts its beak into the host body, generally several times, until the soft body is empty and only the exoskeleton remains. It has been reported to be an important predator of the eggs and new larvae of the bollworm and of spotted tobacco aphid, but it is believed that thrips and mites are the more basic part of an Orius diet. It can also be an important predator of corn earworm eggs which are laid on the silks. Other reported prey include eggs and small European corn borers, corn leaf aphids, potato aphids, and potato leafhopper nymphs. Commercial availability: Orius are available commercially from insectaries (see the off-site publication, Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms in North America, page of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation website).but specific use recommendations have not been researched. They are shipped as adults in a carrier such as bran, rice hulls, or vermiculite, along with a food source. The carrier can be shaken onto plants, and the bugs will readily disperse and locate prey. Lacewings: Chrysoperla carnea/Chrysoperla rufilabris Several species of aphids, spider mites (especially red mites), thrips, whiteflies, eggs of leafhoppers, moths, and leafminers, small caterpillars, beetle larvae, and the tobacco budworm are reported prey. They are considered an important predator of long-tailed mealybug in greenhouses and interior plantscapes. Commercial Availability: C. carnea and C. rufilabris are available commercially (see the off-site publication, Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms in North America, page of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation website), and are shipped as eggs, young larvae, pupae, and adults. C. carnea is recommended for dry areas, C. rufilabrisfor humid areas. Larvae are likely to remain near the release site if aphids or other prey are available. Newly emerging adults, however, will disperse in search of food, often over great distances, before laying eggs. Hemerobius spp. All brown lacewings are voracious predators as both larvae and adults. Prey includes tree-dwelling insects such as aphids, adelgids and other small soft-bodied insects. H. stigma is often found in association with the balsam twig aphid (Mindarus abietinus Koch) in Christmas tree plantations. It is also an important predator of the balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges piceae) and pine bark adelgid (Pineus strobi). Laidlaw (1936) recommended it for control of Cooley¹s spruce gall adelgid (Adelges cooleyi) on Douglas-fir. It is known to attack a variety of conifer-feeding aphids (McGugan and Coppel 1962; Laidlaw 1936). Commercial Availability: Currently, brown lacewings are not reared commercially. Mass rearing of brown lacewings is difficult, requiring huge numbers of aphids (Garland 1981a). Flies: Syrphid fly Most syrphid fly maggots feed on aphids, thrips, leafhoppers and and other soft-bodied prey like small caterpillars. They move along plant surfaces, lift their heads to grope for prey, seize and suck them dry and then discard the exoskeleton. Commercial Availability: Episyrphus balteatus from Koppert Biological Systems is the only currently available hoverfly for purchase in the United States, although a few other species are considered amenable for commercial production. Midges: Aphidoletes aphidimyza A. aphidimyza attacks over 60 species of aphids. Commercial Availability: Aphidoletes aphidimyza is commercially available (see the off-site publication, Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms in North America, page of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation website). The midges are shipped as pupae in a moist carrier material, such as vermiculite. Sand or vermiculite may adhere to the pupal cases. Other Predators: Phalangium opilio Harvestmen will feed on many soft bodied arthropods in crops, including aphids, caterpillars, leafhoppers, beetle larvae, mites, and small slugs. Commercial Availability: Not currently available commercially. Parasitoid Wasps: Lysiphlebus testaceipes Aphidiid wasps attack only aphids. The conspicuous sign of aphidiid activity is the presence of aphid "mummies" - swollen, dead aphids that have been tanned and hardened to form a protective case for the developing wasp pupa. Commercial Availability: Available commercially (see the off-site publication, Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms in North America, page of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation website). Fungus Gnats: Nematodes: Steinernema feltiae S. feltiae is especially effective against immature dipterous insects, including mushroom flies, fungus gnats, and tipulids as well some lepidopterous larvae. This nematode is unique in maintaining infectivity at soil temperatures as low as 10°C. S. feltiae has an intermediate foraging strategy between the ambush and cruiser type. Also exterminates Humpbacked flies, Fruit flies, Raspberry crown borer, Leaf miners, Cabbage maggot, Cucumber beetles, Shore flies, Black cutworm, Tobacco cutworm, White grubs, Beet armyworm, Onion maggot, Subterranean Termite and more. NOTE: Nematodes will only control the immature stages of these pest insects and will be ineffective against the adult stages. Steinernema carpocapsae This species is the most studied of all entomopathogenic nematodes. Important attributes include ease of mass production and ability to formulate in a partially desiccated state that provides several months of room-temperature shelf-life. S. carpocapsae is particularly effective against lepidopterous larvae, including various webworms, cutworms, armyworms, girdlers, some weevils, and wood-borers. This species is a classic sit-and-wait or "ambush" forager, standing on its tail in an upright position near the soil surface and attaching to passing hosts. Consequently, S. carpocapsae is especially effective when applied against highly mobile surface-adapted insects (though some below-ground insects are also controlled by this nematode). S. carpocapsae is also highly responsive to carbon dioxide once a host has been contacted, thus the spiracles are a key portal of host entry. It is most effective at temperatures ranging from 22 to 28°C. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Among the most economically important entomopathogenic nematodes, H. bacteriophora possesses considerable versatility, attacking lepidopterous and coleopterous insect larvae, among other insects. This cruiser species appears quite useful against root weevils, particularly black vine weevil where it has provided consistently excellent results in containerized soil. A warm temperature nematode, H. bacteriophora shows reduced efficacy when soil drops below 20°C. They are useful to thwart ants, fleas, moths, beetles, flies, beetles, and other pests. Commercial Availability: Of the nearly eighty steinernematid and heterorhabditid nematodes identified to date, at least twelve species have been commercialized. A list of some nematode producers and suppliers is provided here; the list emphasizes U.S. suppliers. Comparison-shopping is recommended as prices vary greatly among suppliers. Additionally, caution is again advised with regard to application rates. One billion nematodes per acre (250,000 per m2) is the rule-of-thumb against most soil insects (containerized and greenhouse soils tend to be treated at higher rates). A final caveat is that, just as one must select the appropriate insecticide to control a target insect, so must one choose the appropriate nematode species or strain. Ask suppliers about field tests supporting their recommended matching of insect target and nematode. Bacteria: Bacillus thuringiensis Larvae may be killed by the microbial insecticide Bacillus thuringiensissub sp.israelensis (Bti) when applied as a drench to the growing medium. Commercial Availability: Formulations of Bti sold for fungus gnat control generally are unavailable through retail outlets. The Bti product marketed as Gnatrol is used in commercial greenhouses and large interior environments. Additional Notes: The most important strategy to minimize fungus gnat problems associated with houseplants is to allow the growing medium to dry between watering, especially the top 1 to 2 inches. The dry-growing medium will decrease survival of any eggs laid and/or larvae that hatch from the eggs as well as reduce the attractiveness of the growing medium to egg-laying adult females. In addition, it is recommended to re-pot every so often, particularly when the growing medium has “broken down” and is retaining too much moisture. Furthermore, be sure to remove any containers with an abundance of decaying plant matter such as decayed bulbs and roots, which provide an excellent food source for fungus gnat larvae.An effective means of detecting the presence of fungus gnat larvae is to insert 1/4 inch slices or wedges of potato into the growing medium. Larvae will migrate to the potato and start feeding within a few days. The potato slices should be turned over to look for larvae present on the underside. Place yellow sticky traps horizontally on the soil surface. They might not be pretty, but they allow you to kill some adult gnats and monitor their populations. Earthworms have been shown to increase the dispersal of Steinernema in some cases. Grasshoppers: Fungi: Entomophaga grylli E. macleodii infects grasshoppers in the subfamily Oedipodinae, including band-wing grasshoppers. E. calopteni infects grasshoppers in the genus Melanoplus. E. praxibuli infects both Oedipodinae and Melanoplus species in the United States. Commercial Availability: Entomophaga grylli is not commercially available. Metarhizium Metarhizium species are known to attack a wide range of arthropods: greater than 200 species in over 50 families. These include many species of agricultural, medical and veterinary importance. Some insect hosts included on two active product labels in the U.S. (as of 2011) [Met52, Novozyme Biologicals, Salem, Virginia] include “various ticks and beetles; root weevils, flies, gnats, thrips,” and locusts and grasshoppers (Green Muscle, Becker Underwood, Ames, Iowa). Additionally, Metarhizium species have been developed in other countries for use against cockchafers, spittlebugs, grubs, borers, and for control of mosquitoes that vector malaria. Commercial Availability: Between October-2005 and May-2006, Faria and Wraight (2007) determined that there were 47 different commercially-available Metarhizium-based products available around the world. Because of recent taxonomic changes to the genus Metarhizium (Bischoff et al. 2009) it is not possible to determine the exact species composition of that list. However, as of 2007 many of the different products were listed as either Metarhizium anisopliae or Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum, which Green Muscle is based on. This strain is active against locusts and grasshoppers and is now recognized as its own species M. acridum. The strain of M. anisopliae that is the basis for Met52 (Novozyme Biologicals) is now recognized as M. brunneum. Nematodes: Mermis nigrescens Mermis nigrescens is normally associated with grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae, Romaleidae, Tettigoniidae) but also is reported to occur naturally in earwigs (Dermaptera), beetles (Coleoptera), caterpillars (Lepidoptera), and even honeybees (Hymenoptera). Because it is similar in appearance to other species of Mermis, and to Amphimermis, Longimermis, Agamermis, and Hexamermis, some host records may be inaccurate. Commercial Availability: Mermis nigrescens is not available commercially. However, their egg stage can be stored and applied as a suspension in water, so if economic artificial rearing techniques could be developed M. nigrescens might make a useful augmentative biological control tool. Mealybug: Ladybeetles: Cryptolaemus montrouzieri ("Mealybug Destroyer") This beetle was imported into the United States in 1891 from Australia by one of the early biological control pioneers, Albert Koebele, to control citrus mealybug in California. Although C. montrouzieri initially devastated the citrus mealybug populations in citrus groves, it was unable to survive the winter except in coastal areas. C. montrouzieri attacks citrus and closely related mealybugs and some soft scales, including hemispherical scale and its relatives. It is considered an important predator of citrus and long-tailed mealybug in greenhouses and interior plantscapes and is being introduced in a biocontrol program in the West Indies to control pink hibiscus mealybug. Commercial Availability: Readily available from commercial suppliers (see the off-site publication, Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms in North America). Lacewings: Chrysoperla carnea/Chrysoperla rufilabris Several species of aphids, spider mites (especially red mites), thrips, whiteflies, eggs of leafhoppers, moths, and leafminers, small caterpillars, beetle larvae, and the tobacco budworm are reported prey. They are considered an important predator of long-tailed mealybug in greenhouses and interior plantscapes. Commercial Availability: C. carnea and C. rufilabris are available commercially (see the off-site publication, Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms in North America, page of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation website), and are shipped as eggs, young larvae, pupae, and adults. C. carnea is recommended for dry areas, C. rufilabrisfor humid areas. Larvae are likely to remain near the release site if aphids or other prey are available. Newly emerging adults, however, will disperse in search of food, often over great distances, before laying eggs. Mites/Spider Mites: Ladybeetles: Stethorus punctillum Under field conditions, S. punctillum occurs in orchards, tree plantations, gardens, and crop fields where it attacks two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) and other mites in the family Tetranychidae (2). It attacks spider mites in greenhouses, interiorscapes, nurseries and orchards (2, 5). Examples of pests, other than T. urticae, attacked include European red mite, Panonychus ulmi (Koch), spruce spider mite, Oligonychus ununguis (Jacobi), and southern red mite, Oligonychus ilicis (McGregor). Commercial Availability: There is an expanding market for Stethorus punctillum and other predators such as phytoseiid mites (e.g., P. persimilis) that can help control spider mites (5). S. punctillum is available for purchase from Applied Bio-nomics and Sesil Corporation Biological Systems. There is a need for a more cost-effective rearing system for this natural enemy, since the cost of producing it is high (i. e., from 30 to 50 USD per 100 adults). The USDA and Applied Bio-nomics are conducting research to discover ways of rearing this predator at a lower cost. Stethorus punctum Stethorus punctum is strictly a predator of plant-feeding mites, particularly the spider mites such as the European red mite and the twospotted spider mite, and especially the eggs. Commercial Availability: Not available commercially at this time. Bugs: Campylomma verbasci Common prey include aphids, mites, thrips, and pear psylla. Commercial Availability: C. verbasci is not known to be commercially available. Deraeocoris nebulosus This predator feeds on whiteflies, aphids, psyllids, scales, mites, and lace bugs (Wheeler et al. 1975, pers. obs.). In captivity it tends to cannibalize unless provided with hiding places. Commercial Availability: Deraeocoris nebulosus has never been commercially available, though D. brevis was available until early 1998 when it was taken off the market due to labor-intensive rearing methods and decreased demand. Research that is underway to develop mass-rearing methods for D. nebulosus might result in its eventual availability. Geocoris spp. Bigeyed bugs feed on a wide variety of prey smaller than themselves. They are among the most important natural enemies in cotton. They feed on eggs and small larvae of most lepidopteran pests (bollworm, pink bollworm, tobacco budworm), on the eggs and nymphs of plant bugs (e.g., lygus), and on all life stages of whiteflies, mites and aphids. There are 67 species included in a list of prey organisms fed on by bigeyed bugs (Crocker and Whitcomb 1980). Cohen and Byrne (1992) observed that Geocoris use salivary secretions to adhere whitefly wings to a stable surface to allow feeding. Commercial Availability: It has been demonstrated that repeated generations of bigeyed bugs can be reared on an artifical diet, and that commercially-reared bigeyed bugs had similar effectiveness as predators to their wild counterparts (Hagler and Cohen 1991, Cohen 2000, Pendleton 2002), suggesting that they have great potential as biological control agents. An artificial, meat-based diet for rearing Geocoris was first developed by Allen Cohen (Cohen 1985). An extensive survey of suppliers of beneficial insects and research scientists familiar with Geocorisindicate that the insects arenot in commercial production at the time of this writing (late 2011). Orius spp. Both immature stages (nymphs) and adults feed on a variety of small prey including thrips, spider mites, insect eggs, aphids, and small caterpillars. Orius holds its prey with its front legs and inserts its beak into the host body, generally several times, until the soft body is empty and only the exoskeleton remains. It has been reported to be an important predator of the eggs and new larvae of the bollworm and of spotted tobacco aphid, but it is believed that thrips and mites are the more basic part of an Orius diet. It can also be an important predator of corn earworm eggs which are laid on the silks. Other reported prey include eggs and small European corn borers, corn leaf aphids, potato aphids, and potato leafhopper nymphs. Commercial availability: Orius are available commercially from insectaries (see the off-site publication, Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms in North America, page of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation website).but specific use recommendations have not been researched. They are shipped as adults in a carrier such as bran, rice hulls, or vermiculite, along with a food source. The carrier can be shaken onto plants, and the bugs will readily disperse and locate prey. Lacewings: Chrysoperla carnea/Chrysoperla rufilabris Several species of aphids, spider mites (especially red mites), thrips, whiteflies, eggs of leafhoppers, moths, and leafminers, small caterpillars, beetle larvae, and the tobacco budworm are reported prey. They are considered an important predator of long-tailed mealybug in greenhouses and interior plantscapes. Commercial Availability: C. carnea and C. rufilabris are available commercially (see the off-site publication, Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms in North America, page of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation website), and are shipped as eggs, young larvae, pupae, and adults. C. carnea is recommended for dry areas, C. rufilabrisfor humid areas. Larvae are likely to remain near the release site if aphids or other prey are available. Newly emerging adults, however, will disperse in search of food, often over great distances, before laying eggs. Mites: Galendromus (=Typhlodromus, =Metaseiulus) occidentalis Two-spotted spider mites, McDaniel spider mites, yellow spider mites, apple and pear rust mites, Prunus rust mites, blister mites, and European red mites. Commercial Availability: G. occidentalis is readily available commercially, including some pesticide resistant strains (see the off-site publication, Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms in North America, page of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation website). Galendromus (=Typhlodromus) pyri Galendromus pyri prefers European red mite and actively seeks this prey. It will also feed on the two-spotted spider mite and the apple rust mite. Commercial Availability: G. pyri is a common inhabitant of commercial apple orchards in the northeastern United States. In addition, it can be obtained commercially (see the off-site publication, Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms in North America). Neoseiulus (=Amblyseius) fallacis In North American orchards, Neoseiulus fallacis strongly prefers tetranychid mites--the European red mite and the two-spotted spider mite--and will actively seek these. Commercial Availability: N. fallacis is readily available from commercial suppliers (see the off-site publication, Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms in North America, page of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation website). Zetzellia mali Apple rust mite, European red mite, and two-spotted spider mite. Commercial Availability: Z. mali is not available commercially. Euseius tularensis Primarily citrus red mite and citrus thrips, however, two-spotted spider mite, immature stages of scale insects and whitefly nymphs are also fed upon. This predatory mite also feeds on pollen and leaf sap. Commercial Availability: This predator is not available commercially. Because of its need for small amounts of leaf sap, it must be reared on a leaf surface. Its numbers naturally increase in citrus when broad spectrum pesticides are avoided. Phytoseiulus persimilis This species is a specialized predator of web-spinning spider mites such as the two-spotted spider mite. In fact, P. persimilis feeds, reproduces, and completes development only on mites in the subfamily Tetranychinae, although it also feeds on young thrips and can be cannabilistic when spider mite prey is unavailable. Commercial Availability: Widely available (see the off-site publication, Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms in North America, page of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation website). Other Predators: Phalangium opilio Harvestmen will feed on many soft bodied arthropods in crops, including aphids, caterpillars, leafhoppers, beetle larvae, mites, and small slugs. Commercial Availability: Not currently available commercially. Scale: Ladybeetles: Chilocorus kuwanae In North America., euonymus scales and other scales, such as the San Jose scale. In China, Korea and Japan, where it is common, C. kuwanae helps to keep several species of armored scales under control in citrus groves and on landscape shrubs. Commercial Availability: See the off-site publication, Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms in North America, page of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation website. Chilocorus stigma The genus Chilocorus consists mostly of armored scale insect predators. C. stigma is an omnivorous predator of several scale insects, aphids, and mealybugs (Muma 1955). It has been reported often as a predator of the pine needle scale (Chionaspis pinifoliae) (Cumming 1953, Neilsen and Johnson 1973, DeBoo and Weidhaas 1976). It has been observed attacking beech bark scale (Cryptococcus fagisuga) in Michigan. Muma (1955) found it associated with the Florida red scale (Chrysomphalus aonidum) in citrus groves. Commercial Availability: Currently C. stigma is not commercially available in the United States. Developing an efficient and productive rearing method for C. stigma could be an important contribution to biological control or integrated pest management programs. Harmonia axyridis Many species of injurious soft-bodied insects such as aphids, scales, and psyllids, including pecan aphids, red pine scale, balsam twig aphids, and pine bark adelgid. Commercial Availability: Not available commercially at this time. Rodolia cardinalis R. cardinalis is specific to cottony cushion scale. Adults and mature larvae feed on all scale stages; young feed on eggs. Commercial Availability: Vedalia beetle is not commercially available at this time. Bugs: Deraeocoris nebulosus This predator feeds on whiteflies, aphids, psyllids, scales, mites, and lace bugs (Wheeler et al. 1975, pers. obs.). In captivity it tends to cannibalize unless provided with hiding places. Commercial Availability: Deraeocoris nebulosus has never been commercially available, though D. brevis was available until early 1998 when it was taken off the market due to labor-intensive rearing methods and decreased demand. Research that is underway to develop mass-rearing methods for D. nebulosus might result in its eventual availability. Mites: Euseius tularensis Primarily citrus red mite and citrus thrips, however, two-spotted spider mite, immature stages of scale insects and whitefly nymphs are also fed upon. This predatory mite also feeds on pollen and leaf sap. Commercial Availability: This predator is not available commercially. Because of its need for small amounts of leaf sap, it must be reared on a leaf surface. Its numbers naturally increase in citrus when broad spectrum pesticides are avoided. Parasitoid Wasps: Metaphycus alberti Metaphycus alberti (Howard) was originally brought to California from Australia in 1898 by Albert Koebele, whose earlier entomological investigations of that continent led to the successful biological control of the cottony cushion scale (DeBach and Rosen, 1991). The new parasite was subsequently named for Koebele by L.O. Howard (Howard, 1898).This species has not been reported in the literature from other hosts, and therefore appears to be specific to C. hesperidum. It is known to attack C. hesperidum between the crawler and the adult stages, preferring young scale from 1 to 1.5 mm long, but successfully attacking much larger hosts as long as they are not reproducing. Koebele's original material was reared from C. hesperidum collected in the Sydney area. The parasite was apparently colonized in Riverside, California, around the turn of the century. It was subsequently recovered from C. hesperidum by Timberlake during 1911 and 1912 . Despite all of the subsequent sampling of C. hesperidum in southern California, M. alberti has not been reported from North America since Compere reared it from C. hesperidum in 1922. At present, M. alberti is known only from California, South Africa, and Australia. Commercial Availability: Not commercially available, although there is some interest among commercial insectaries. Slugs and Snails: Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita The nematode is a soil dwelling animal and is generally found where slugs are abundant. It has been isolated from grassland and crops of wheat and oilseed rape (canola). Recent research has shown that the nematode is well adapted to life in leaf litter, compost, and organic soils. P. hermaphrodita has been shown to infect and kill a wide variety of pest species of both slugs and snails. Slugs Arion ater (Juveniles) Arion distinctus Arion intermedius Arion lusitanicus (Juveniles) Arion silvaticus Deroceras reticulatum (the gray field slug) Deroceras laeve Deroceras panormitanum Leidyula floridana Tandonia budapestensis Tandonia sowerbyi Snails Cepaea hortensis Cernuella virgata Cochlicella acuta Helix aspersa (the brown garden snail) (Juveniles) Lymnaea stagnalis Monacha cantiana Theba pisana The most susceptible species is the grey field slug, Deroceras reticulatum, which is the most widespread pest species in the world and is responsible for most agricultural and horticultural losses. While all the above species have been shown to be killed by P. hermaphrodita in laboratory bioassays, many of the assays used high doses and unrealistic assay conditions, so it is not clear if P. hermaphrodita could be used to control all the above species under field conditions. Also, laboratory bioassays indicate that body size may be an important feature of susceptibility. For example the garden snail, Helix aspersa, is susceptible when its body weight is less than a gram, but larger individuals are not. Similar results have been found for the large slugs Arion ater agg. and A. lusitanicus. Thus, for some large species of slug, it would be advisable to apply nematodes at the time of year when only juvenile slugs are present. Commercial availability: Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita is available under the trade name "Nemaslug" in the UK, Ireland, Switzerland, Norway, Holland, Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Germany, Poland, France, Spain and Italy. It is manufactured in the UK by Becker Underwood UK Ltd and distributed nationally and internationally by a range of distributers. Key markets include domestic gardens and high value commercial salad crops such as lettuce and celery. More recently, sales have expanded to include vegetables such as brassicas and potatoes. The product is mostly used by organic growers, but many conventional growers use the nematode alongside chemical molluscicides. The nematode is not commercially available in North America at present, as the presence of P. hermaphrodita in this continent has yet to be confirmed. Thrips: Bugs: Campylomma verbasci Common prey include aphids, mites, thrips, and pear psylla. Commercial Availability: C. verbasci is not known to be commercially available. Orius spp. Both immature stages (nymphs) and adults feed on a variety of small prey including thrips, spider mites, insect eggs, aphids, and small caterpillars. Orius holds its prey with its front legs and inserts its beak into the host body, generally several times, until the soft body is empty and only the exoskeleton remains. It has been reported to be an important predator of the eggs and new larvae of the bollworm and of spotted tobacco aphid, but it is believed that thrips and mites are the more basic part of an Orius diet. It can also be an important predator of corn earworm eggs which are laid on the silks. Other reported prey include eggs and small European corn borers, corn leaf aphids, potato aphids, and potato leafhopper nymphs. Commercial availability: Orius are available commercially from insectaries (see the off-site publication, Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms in North America, page of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation website).but specific use recommendations have not been researched. They are shipped as adults in a carrier such as bran, rice hulls, or vermiculite, along with a food source. The carrier can be shaken onto plants, and the bugs will readily disperse and locate prey. Lacewings: Chrysoperla carnea/Chrysoperla rufilabris Several species of aphids, spider mites (especially red mites), thrips, whiteflies, eggs of leafhoppers, moths, and leafminers, small caterpillars, beetle larvae, and the tobacco budworm are reported prey. They are considered an important predator of long-tailed mealybug in greenhouses and interior plantscapes. Commercial Availability: C. carnea and C. rufilabris are available commercially (see the off-site publication, Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms in North America, page of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation website), and are shipped as eggs, young larvae, pupae, and adults. C. carnea is recommended for dry areas, C. rufilabrisfor humid areas. Larvae are likely to remain near the release site if aphids or other prey are available. Newly emerging adults, however, will disperse in search of food, often over great distances, before laying eggs. Flies: Syrphid fly Most syrphid fly maggots feed on aphids, thrips, leafhoppers and and other soft-bodied prey like small caterpillars. They move along plant surfaces, lift their heads to grope for prey, seize and suck them dry and then discard the exoskeleton. Commercial Availability: Episyrphus balteatus from Koppert Biological Systems is the only currently available hoverfly for purchase in the United States, although a few other species are considered amenable for commercial production. Mites: Euseius tularensis Primarily citrus red mite and citrus thrips, however, two-spotted spider mite, immature stages of scale insects and whitefly nymphs are also fed upon. This predatory mite also feeds on pollen and leaf sap. Commercial Availability: This predator is not available commercially. Because of its need for small amounts of leaf sap, it must be reared on a leaf surface. Its numbers naturally increase in citrus when broad spectrum pesticides are avoided. Fungi: Metarhizium Metarhizium species are known to attack a wide range of arthropods: greater than 200 species in over 50 families. These include many species of agricultural, medical and veterinary importance. Some insect hosts included on two active product labels in the U.S. (as of 2011) [Met52, Novozyme Biologicals, Salem, Virginia] include “various ticks and beetles; root weevils, flies, gnats, thrips,” and locusts and grasshoppers (Green Muscle, Becker Underwood, Ames, Iowa). Additionally, Metarhizium species have been developed in other countries for use against cockchafers, spittlebugs, grubs, borers, and for control of mosquitoes that vector malaria. Commercial Availability: Between October-2005 and May-2006, Faria and Wraight (2007) determined that there were 47 different commercially-available Metarhizium-based products available around the world. Because of recent taxonomic changes to the genus Metarhizium (Bischoff et al. 2009) it is not possible to determine the exact species composition of that list. However, as of 2007 many of the different products were listed as either Metarhizium anisopliae or Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum, which Green Muscle is based on. This strain is active against locusts and grasshoppers and is now recognized as its own species M. acridum. The strain of M. anisopliae that is the basis for Met52 (Novozyme Biologicals) is now recognized as M. brunneum. Whiteflies: Ladybeetles: Geocoris spp. Bigeyed bugs feed on a wide variety of prey smaller than themselves. They are among the most important natural enemies in cotton. They feed on eggs and small larvae of most lepidopteran pests (bollworm, pink bollworm, tobacco budworm), on the eggs and nymphs of plant bugs (e.g., lygus), and on all life stages of whiteflies, mites and aphids. There are 67 species included in a list of prey organisms fed on by bigeyed bugs (Crocker and Whitcomb 1980). Cohen and Byrne (1992) observed that Geocoris use salivary secretions to adhere whitefly wings to a stable surface to allow feeding. Commercial Availability: It has been demonstrated that repeated generations of bigeyed bugs can be reared on an artifical diet, and that commercially-reared bigeyed bugs had similar effectiveness as predators to their wild counterparts (Hagler and Cohen 1991, Cohen 2000, Pendleton 2002), suggesting that they have great potential as biological control agents. An artificial, meat-based diet for rearing Geocoris was first developed by Allen Cohen (Cohen 1985). An extensive survey of suppliers of beneficial insects and research scientists familiar with Geocorisindicate that the insects arenot in commercial production at the time of this writing (late 2011). Lacewings: Chrysoperla carnea/Chrysoperla rufilabris Several species of aphids, spider mites (especially red mites), thrips, whiteflies, eggs of leafhoppers, moths, and leafminers, small caterpillars, beetle larvae, and the tobacco budworm are reported prey. They are considered an important predator of long-tailed mealybug in greenhouses and interior plantscapes. Commercial Availability: C. carnea and C. rufilabris are available commercially (see the off-site publication, Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms in North America, page of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation website), and are shipped as eggs, young larvae, pupae, and adults. C. carnea is recommended for dry areas, C. rufilabrisfor humid areas. Larvae are likely to remain near the release site if aphids or other prey are available. Newly emerging adults, however, will disperse in search of food, often over great distances, before laying eggs. Parasitoid Wasps: Encarsia formosa Encarsia formosa parasitizes at least fifteen species of whiteflies in eight genera. Most work has looked at the ability of E. formosa to control greenhouse whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum, sweetpotato whitefly,Bemisia tabaci, and silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia argentifolii (= Bemisia tabaci strain . Encarsia formosa is hyperparasitized by Signiphora coquilletti, Encarsia pergandiella, and Encarsia tricolor (Hoddle et al. 1998). Commercial Availability: Encarsia formosa is readily available from North American insectaries. Eretmocerus eremicus E. eremicus attacks whiteflies (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) including greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporarium), sweetpotato whitefly (B. tabaci), silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia argentifolii), and bandedwinged whitefly (T. abutlonea). Commercial Availability: E. eremicus is commercially available from suppliers of beneficial organisms in North America (see the off-site publication, Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms in North America, page of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation website). Other Pests: Ladybeetles: Lebia grandis Lebia grandis is an indigenous natural enemy of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, and the false potato beetle, Leptinotarsa juncta, which is an occasional pest of eggplant. In fields of cultivated potato and eggplant, adults are specialist predators of all immature stages of Colorado potato beetle. In no-choice feeding trials in the laboratory, L. grandis adults consumed the larvae of the asparagus beetle (Crioceris asparagi), and also the three-lined potato beetle (Lema trilinea) but this has never been observed in the field. L. grandis larvae are specialist ectoparasitoids of Colorado potato beetle and false potato beetle prepupae (mature larvae) and pupae in the soil. Lebia grandis has not been found in association with Colorado potato beetle on this pest’s ancestral host plant (Solanum rostratum) in central Mexico. Because it was described from North Carolina in 1830, it is clear that L. grandis was historically a specialist enemy of the closely related false potato beetle on horsenettle in the southeastern United States, before the Colorado potato beetle adapted to potato and spread into the eastern US. Subsequently, L. grandis adopted the Colorado potato beetle as a new and more abundant host, and is now found as far north as Michigan and southern Maine, north of the range of false potato beetle. Commercial Availability: Not available commercially at this time. Aleochara bilineatis Root maggot eggs, larvae, and pupae, especially the cabbage and onion maggot. Commercial Availability: Rove beetles are not yet commercially available from North American insectaries, although mass rearing techniques have been developed. Geocoris spp. Bigeyed bugs feed on a wide variety of prey smaller than themselves. They are among the most important natural enemies in cotton. They feed on eggs and small larvae of most lepidopteran pests (bollworm, pink bollworm, tobacco budworm), on the eggs and nymphs of plant bugs (e.g., lygus), and on all life stages of whiteflies, mites and aphids. There are 67 species included in a list of prey organisms fed on by bigeyed bugs (Crocker and Whitcomb 1980). Cohen and Byrne (1992) observed that Geocoris use salivary secretions to adhere whitefly wings to a stable surface to allow feeding. Commercial Availability: It has been demonstrated that repeated generations of bigeyed bugs can be reared on an artifical diet, and that commercially-reared bigeyed bugs had similar effectiveness as predators to their wild counterparts (Hagler and Cohen 1991, Cohen 2000, Pendleton 2002), suggesting that they have great potential as biological control agents. An artificial, meat-based diet for rearing Geocoris was first developed by Allen Cohen (Cohen 1985). An extensive survey of suppliers of beneficial insects and research scientists familiar with Geocorisindicate that the insects arenot in commercial production at the time of this writing (late 2011). Podisus maculiventris Over 100 species in many families have been reported as prey. Prime targets are immature insects. Reported prey include the larvae of Mexican bean beetle, European corn borer, diamondback moth, corn earworm, beet armyworm, fall armyworm, cabbage looper, imported cabbageworm, Colorado potato beetle, velvetbean caterpillar, and flea beetles. Commercial Availability: Available commercially (see the off-site publication, Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms in North America, page of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation website). Lacewings: Chrysoperla carnea/Chrysoperla rufilabris Several species of aphids, spider mites (especially red mites), thrips, whiteflies, eggs of leafhoppers, moths, and leafminers, small caterpillars, beetle larvae, and the tobacco budworm are reported prey. They are considered an important predator of long-tailed mealybug in greenhouses and interior plantscapes. Commercial Availability: C. carnea and C. rufilabris are available commercially (see the off-site publication, Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms in North America, page of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation website), and are shipped as eggs, young larvae, pupae, and adults. C. carnea is recommended for dry areas, C. rufilabrisfor humid areas. Larvae are likely to remain near the release site if aphids or other prey are available. Newly emerging adults, however, will disperse in search of food, often over great distances, before laying eggs. Hemerobius spp. All brown lacewings are voracious predators as both larvae and adults. Prey includes tree-dwelling insects such as aphids, adelgids and other small soft-bodied insects. H. stigma is often found in association with the balsam twig aphid (Mindarus abietinus Koch) in Christmas tree plantations. It is also an important predator of the balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges piceae) and pine bark adelgid (Pineus strobi). Laidlaw (1936) recommended it for control of Cooley¹s spruce gall adelgid (Adelges cooleyi) on Douglas-fir. It is known to attack a variety of conifer-feeding aphids (McGugan and Coppel 1962; Laidlaw 1936). Commercial Availability: Currently, brown lacewings are not reared commercially. Mass rearing of brown lacewings is difficult, requiring huge numbers of aphids (Garland 1981a). Other Predators: Phalangium opilio Harvestmen will feed on many soft bodied arthropods in crops, including aphids, caterpillars, leafhoppers, beetle larvae, mites, and small slugs. Commercial Availability: Not currently available commercially. Bacteria: Paenibacillus popilliae Japanese beetle is the exclusive host of the strain of P. popilliae which is sold commercially. However, other P. popilliae strains (and P. lentimorbus, which is considered a strain of P. popilliae by some experts) have other scarab hosts and are specific to different beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, which includes the Japanese beetle and the chafers - important pasture pests, but also the beneficial dung beetles. Spores which reside in the soil and have been ingested by beetle larvae germinate in the larva's gut within 2 days and the vegetative cells proliferate, attaining maximum numbers within 3 to 5 days. By this time, some of the cells have penetrated the gut wall and have begun to grow in the hemolymph, where large numbers of cells develop by day 5 to 10. A few spores also are formed at this stage, but the main phase of sporulation occurs later and is completed by 14 to 21 days when the larva develops the typical milky appearance. In laboratory conditions, the larva remains alive until this stage and usually contains about 5 x 109 spores. In field conditions, however, there are reports that larvae sometimes die earlier, before the main phase of sporulation is completed. This is of concern because sporulation stops when the host dies and the larva ultimately releases fewer spores to maintain the level of infestation of a site. Commercial Availability: Readily available. Fungi: Entomophaga maimaiga Based on lab results, E. maimaiga appears to be quite specific to the family that includes gypsy moth, although it can cause low levels of infection in a number of other species. During a field study, the only cadavers that were found on trees were gypsy moth larvae killed by E. maimaiga. At locations where there were active epizootics of E. maimaiga occurring in gypsy moth populations, more than 1500 insects of 53 difference species were collected. Of those 1500 individuals, only one individual of a lasiocampid and one individual from the Noctuidae were infected with E. maimaiga. Commercial availability: Not available commercially at this time. Entomophthora muscae Entomophthora muscae is a well known fungal disease of adult Diptera with a wide range of potential hosts. First described by Cohn in 1855 from an epizootic of house flies, E. muscae has been recognized as a potential biological agent for many years. Since Cohn's initial observations, epizootics have been observed in adult Diptera in the families Muscidae, Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, Tachinidae, Drosophilidae, Scatophagidae, Culicidae and Syrphidae. Commercial Availability: Entomophthora muscae is not commercially available. Metarhizium Metarhizium species are known to attack a wide range of arthropods: greater than 200 species in over 50 families. These include many species of agricultural, medical and veterinary importance. Some insect hosts included on two active product labels in the U.S. (as of 2011) [Met52, Novozyme Biologicals, Salem, Virginia] include “various ticks and beetles; root weevils, flies, gnats, thrips,” and locusts and grasshoppers (Green Muscle, Becker Underwood, Ames, Iowa). Additionally, Metarhizium species have been developed in other countries for use against cockchafers, spittlebugs, grubs, borers, and for control of mosquitoes that vector malaria. Commercial Availability: Between October-2005 and May-2006, Faria and Wraight (2007) determined that there were 47 different commercially-available Metarhizium-based products available around the world. Because of recent taxonomic changes to the genus Metarhizium (Bischoff et al. 2009) it is not possible to determine the exact species composition of that list. However, as of 2007 many of the different products were listed as either Metarhizium anisopliae or Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum, which Green Muscle is based on. This strain is active against locusts and grasshoppers and is now recognized as its own species M. acridum. The strain of M. anisopliae that is the basis for Met52 (Novozyme Biologicals) is now recognized as M. brunneum. Nematodes: Mermis nigrescens Mermis nigrescens is normally associated with grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae, Romaleidae, Tettigoniidae) but also is reported to occur naturally in earwigs (Dermaptera), beetles (Coleoptera), caterpillars (Lepidoptera), and even honeybees (Hymenoptera). Because it is similar in appearance to other species of Mermis, and to Amphimermis, Longimermis, Agamermis, and Hexamermis, some host records may be inaccurate. Commercial Availability: Mermis nigrescens is not available commercially. However, their egg stage can be stored and applied as a suspension in water, so if economic artificial rearing techniques could be developed M. nigrescens might make a useful augmentative biological control tool. Steinernema feltiae S. feltiae is especially effective against immature dipterous insects, including mushroom flies, fungus gnats, and tipulids as well some lepidopterous larvae. This nematode is unique in maintaining infectivity at soil temperatures as low as 10°C. S. feltiae has an intermediate foraging strategy between the ambush and cruiser type. Also exterminates Humpbacked flies, Fruit flies, Raspberry crown borer, Leaf miners, Cabbage maggot, Cucumber beetles, Shore flies, Black cutworm, Tobacco cutworm, White grubs, Beet armyworm, Onion maggot, Subterranean Termite and more. NOTE: Nematodes will only control the immature stages of these pest insects and will be ineffective against the adult stages. Steinernema carpocapsae This species is the most studied of all entomopathogenic nematodes. Important attributes include ease of mass production and ability to formulate in a partially desiccated state that provides several months of room-temperature shelf-life. S. carpocapsae is particularly effective against lepidopterous larvae, including various webworms, cutworms, armyworms, girdlers, some weevils, and wood-borers. This species is a classic sit-and-wait or "ambush" forager, standing on its tail in an upright position near the soil surface and attaching to passing hosts. Consequently, S. carpocapsae is especially effective when applied against highly mobile surface-adapted insects (though some below-ground insects are also controlled by this nematode). S. carpocapsae is also highly responsive to carbon dioxide once a host has been contacted, thus the spiracles are a key portal of host entry. It is most effective at temperatures ranging from 22 to 28°C. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Among the most economically important entomopathogenic nematodes, H. bacteriophora possesses considerable versatility, attacking lepidopterous and coleopterous insect larvae, among other insects. This cruiser species appears quite useful against root weevils, particularly black vine weevil where it has provided consistently excellent results in containerized soil. A warm temperature nematode, H. bacteriophora shows reduced efficacy when soil drops below 20°C. They are useful to thwart ants, fleas, moths, beetles, flies, beetles, and other pests. Commercial Availability: Of the nearly eighty steinernematid and heterorhabditid nematodes identified to date, at least twelve species have been commercialized. A list of some nematode producers and suppliers is provided here; the list emphasizes U.S. suppliers. Comparison-shopping is recommended as prices vary greatly among suppliers. Additionally, caution is again advised with regard to application rates. One billion nematodes per acre (250,000 per m2) is the rule-of-thumb against most soil insects (containerized and greenhouse soils tend to be treated at higher rates). A final caveat is that, just as one must select the appropriate insecticide to control a target insect, so must one choose the appropriate nematode species or strain. Ask suppliers about field tests supporting their recommended matching of insect target and nematode. Algae: Lagenidium giganteum The parasite will infect and kill most species of mosquito breeding in fresh water, from temperatures of 16-32°C. It will also infect the closely related dipteran Chaoborus astictopus, the Clear Lake gnat, and at very high concentrations, some species of daphnids. Infection of daphnids is not desireable, but this only occurs when levels of the parasite ca. 100 times greater than that recommended for operational control are reached. Commercial Availability: This parasite is registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and several states, including California and Florida, for use as an operational mosquito control agent. It is currently the only commercially available biological control agent (not including Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis, which is a microbial insecticide) for mosquitoes. Besides being host specific, L. giganteum has the ability to recycle for weeks, months, or even years in a given breeding habitat after a single application. Beginning in 1997 the asexual stage of this parasite will be commercially available as the LAGINEX® formulation. It can be obtained from AgraQuest, Inc. Parasitoid Wasps: Muscidifurax raptor The house fly, the stable fly, and other fly species. Commercial Availability: M. raptor is available from commercial insectaries. Care should be taken to obtain insects that are free from disease (microsporidosis). Trissolcus basalis The primary host of T. basalis is the southern green stinkbug. T. basalis also attacks the eggs of other species of stinkbugs. Commercial Availability: T. basalis is not commercially available in North America at this time. Parasitoid Flies: Trichopoda pennipes Primarily squash bug and southern green stinkbug. Although Trichopoda pennipes is a parasitoid of several true bugs, there appear to be different biotypes across the country. Limited field studies suggest that different populations, or perhaps cryptic species, attack different species (types) of true bugs. For example, in California, a population of T. pennipes has been reported attacking the bordered plant bug. However the same fly was never found attacking the squash bug. Recently, Trichopoda pennipes were collected from fields of squash in New York and shipped to California where they were released. These flies have permanently established populations in northern California near farms growing summer and winter squash. In the past, nymphs of squash bug in this area were never attacked by parasitoids. Now, one can easily find 50% or more of these nymphs with fly eggs deposited on them (see photo). Commercial Availability: Not available commercially.

double post - please delete

I just came across this artist http://marcianosmx.com/ilustraciones-criticas-de-la-sociedad-luis-quiles/

What do you think about a moneyless pub? http://www.permaculture.co.uk/news/2801144280/worlds-first-moneyless-pub

Despite all your rage, you are still just a rat in a cage. Please take a little over 4 minutes of your time to watch this movie titled "Too Much Stuff" By SustainableMan.org. If you want LOVE, try giving a little away first? https://soundcloud.com/rien_de_rien/mc-yogi-give-love Just Like Ghandi, be the change you wish to see. Be The Change (EarthRise SoundSystem Remix)I would also be interested in anyone else's opinions and ideas on this subject?

Woodwoman I love you. Thank you for at least trying. https://soundcloud.com/inity1/in-this-day-and-age

Mira I greatly appreciate your criticism and see your point. While I understand the difficulty in preserving what is essentially a drought resistant water balloon, I still have to say herbarium specimen were par for the course at that time and cacti submissions were and still are possible to compose. Had Backeberg submitted at least a few samples at the time, as your pictures show, we could confirm spine morphology, perhaps flower morphology, and even possibly extract DNA or other chemical analysis from his collection. However, with nothing at all to go on, we have nothing to substantiate his claims. He surely sent plenty of seeds home, because if I remember correctly from my research that was his family business. I respectfully disagree... http://www.virtualherbarium.org/vh/100UsesASPT.html

In an attempt to apologize for my last thread with a similar title I am reposting this information, only this time without the psychobabble and craziness. Last semester I had an upper level plant taxonomy class, which required us to write a very large term paper and an oral presentation on a plant family of our choosing. I chose the genus Trichocereus/Echinopsis. I did not conduct any of the physical investigation in this field, however I sourced, read, compared, and evaluated numerous texts on the subject. The end result was compiled into a 20 page paper titled "termpaperroughdraftupdate.doc" and a power point presentation titled "presentation.ppt". For those of you who do not have access to powerpoint I also included "presentation.pdf", but you lose some of the slide transitions. Most notably the flower morphology slide is all garbled in the pdf version. I have uploaded all of these files (some separately) as a large zip file. It contains all of my sourced articles, however I did remove trout's notes on San Pedro out of respect for a great member here. Please note that some of the journal articles may not have the most informative file names, because I didn't bother going back to change them after saving them for my personal use. I hope that you will find the information interesting and useful. The powerpoint presentation offers the most condensed and easy to follow form of the material. However for those of you interested in such matters I feel that the research paper also offers a plethora of information you may or may not have known about. You can download the zip file at: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/57030275/Archive.zip I also uploaded 2 other documents that I used to help me study for the class. One discusses some terms used in botany, the other discusses some plant family systematics. https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/57030275/definitions.pdf https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/57030275/Plant%20family%20systematics.pdf If you prefer individual files instead or if you missed the craziness and have a desire to see it, check out my thread in the bitches, gripes and degenerate threads forum: http://www.shaman-australis.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=37313&p=450789 http://www.shaman-australis.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=37313&p=450674 Additionally, if you would like to listen to some good tunes while mulling over this information, please check out Mc. Yogi: https://soundcloud.com/mc-yogi/be-the-change-earthrise Works Referenced Journal Articles: Anceschi, G., Magli, A. 2013. The new monophyletic macrogenus Echinopsis. No risk of paraphyly, and the most convincing hypothesis in phylogenetic terms. Cactaceae Systematics Initiatives 31: 24-27. Albesiano S., Terrazas
T. 2012. Cladistic Analysis of Trichocereus (Cactaceae: Cactoideae:Trichocereeae) Based on Morphological Data and Chloroplast Dna Sequences. Haseltonia 17: 3-23. Albesiano S., Terrazas
T. 2012. A New Taxonomic Treatment of the Genus Trichocereus (Cactaceae) in Chile. Haseltonia, 18: 116-139. Arakaki M., Christin P. A, et. al. 2011. Contemporaneous and recent radiations of the world’s major succulent plant lineages. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA 108: 8379–8384. Buxbaum F. 1958. The phylogenetic division of the sub- family Cereoideae, Cactaceae. Madroño 14: 177−206. Bárcenas R, Chris Yesson C, Hawkins J. A. 2011. Molecular systematics of the Cactaceae. Cladistics 27: 470–489. Downie S.R, Palmer J.D. 1994. A chloroplast DNA phylogeny of the Caryophyllales based on structural and inverted repeat restriction site variation. Systematic Botany 19: 236–252. Friedrich, H. 1974. Zur Taxonomie und Phylogenie der Echinopsidinae (Trichocereinae). IOS-Bulletin 3: 79–93. Friedrich H. and Glatzel W. 1983. Seed morphology as an aid to classifying the genus Echinopsis Zucc. Bradleya 1: 91–104. Hernández T., Hernández H.M., et. al. 2011. Phylogenetic relation- ships and evolution of growth form in Cactaceae (Caryophyllales, Eudicotyledoneae). American Journal of Botany 98: 44–61. Kiesling R. 1978. El género Trichocereus (Cactaceae) I: Las especies de la Rep. Argentina. Darwiniana 21: 263−330. Korotkova N., Zabel L. , D. Quandt, and W. Barthlott. 2010. A phylogenetic analysis of Pfeiffera and the reinstatement of Lymanbensonia as an independently evolved lineage of epiphytic Cactaceae within a new tribe Lymanbensonieae. Willdenowia 40: 151–172. Metzing D., Kiesling R. 2008. The Study Of Cactus Evolution: The Pre-DNA Era. Haseltonia 14: 6-25. Nyffler R., Eggli U., 2010. A farewell to dated ideas and concepts - Molecular phylogenetics and a revised suprageneric classification of the family Cactaceae. Schumannia 6: 109–149. Ritter F. 1980a. Kakteen Südamerika 2. Argentinien/Bo- livien. Germany. Ritter F. 1980b. Kakteen Südamerika 3. Chile. Germany. Ritter F. 1981. Kakteen Südamerika 4. Peru. Germany. Ritz, C.M., Martins L., et al. 2007. The molecular phylogeny of Rebutia (Cactaceae) and its allies demonstrates the influence of paleogeography on the evolution of South American mountain cacti. American Journal of Botany 94: 1321–1332. Rowley, G.D. 1974. Reunion of the genus Echinopsis. A preface to nomenclatural revisions. IOS Bulletin 3: 93–99. Schick
R. 2011. Echinopsis sensu stricto and Trichocereus: Differentiating the Genera. Cactus and Succulent Journal 83: 248-255. Schlumpberger B.O., Renner S.S., 2012. Molecular Phylogenetics of Echinopsis (Cactacea): Polyphyly at all Levels and Convergent Evolution of Pollinator Modes and Growth Forms. Books: Anderson, E. F. 2001. The cactus family. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, USA. Anderson, E. F. 2005. Das große Kakteen-Lexikon. Eugen Ulmer, Stuttgart, Germany. Backeberg C. 1959. Die Cactaceae 2. Gustav Fischer Verlag, Jena. Barthlott, W., Hunt, D., 1993. Cactaceae. The Families and Genera of Vascular Plants, Vol. II. Springer Verlag, Berlin, pp. 161–197. Britton NL, Rose JN. 1920. The Cactaceae: Descriptions and illustrations of plants of the cactus family. Vol. 2. Carnegie Institution, Washington. Cronquist A., Thorne R. F. 1994. Nomenclatural and taxonomic history. Caryophyllales: Evolution and Systematics 87-121. Springer, Berlin. Gibson, A.C., Nobel P.S. 1986. The cactus primer. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press. Hillis, D. M. 2012. Principles of life. Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates Hunt, David et al. 2006. The New Cactus Lexicon, DH Books, the Manse, Chapel Lane, Milborne, England. Nobel, Park S. 2002. Cacti biology and uses. Berkeley: University of California Press. Trout, K. 1999. Trout's notes on sacred cacti: botany, chemistry, cultivation & utilization (including notes on some other succulents). 2 ed. Austin, TX: Better Days Pub. Websites: "tassonomia | cactusinhabitat." tassonomia | cactusinhabitat. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2013. <http://www.cactusinhabitat.org/index.php?p=tassonomia&l=en>. Other: The Cactus Explorer’s club, 2013. The Cactus Explorer 8. Briars Bank, Fosters Bridge, Ketton, Stamford PE9 3BF U.K. Olabode Olufunmilayo Ogunbodede 2009. Alkaloid Content in Relation to Ethnobotanical use of Trichocereus Pachanoi and Related Taxa. A Thesis Presented to the School of Arts and Sciences Sul Ross State University (some may or not may be used in this list this was an initial investigation) Albesiano S., 2012. A New Taxonomic Treatment of the Genus Trichocereus (Cactaceae) in Chile. Haseltonia: Vol. 18, pp. 116-139. Albesiano S., Terrazas T., 2012. Cladistic Analysis of Trichocereus (Cactaceae: Cactoideae: Trichocereeae) Based on Morphological Data and Chloroplast DNA Sequences. Haseltonia: Vol. 17, pp. 3-23. Alonso-Pedano M., Ortega-Baes P., 2012. Generalized and complementary pollination system in the Andean cactus Echinopsis schickendantzii. Plant Syst Evol: Vol. 
298, pp. 1671-1677. Barcenasa R. T, Yessonb C. Hawkinsb J. A., 2011. Molecular systematics of the Cactaceae. Cladistics: Vol. 27, pp. 470–489. Boke N. H., 1941. Zonation in the Shoot Apices of Trichocereus spachianus and Opuntia cylindrical. American Journal of Botany: Vol. 28, pp. 656-664. Corio C., Soto I. M., Carreira V., Pardo J., Betti M. I. L., Hasson E., 2013. An alkaloid fraction extracted from the cactus Trichocereus terscheckii affects fitness in the cactophilic fly Drosophila buzzatii (Diptera: Drosophilidae). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society: Vol. 109, pp. 342–353. Griffith P., 2004. What Did the First Cactus Look like? An Attempt to Reconcile the Morphological and Molecular Evidence
. Taxon: Vol. 53, pp. 493-499. Hjertson M. L., 1994. The Identity of Echinopsis pygmaea R. E. Fr. (Cactaceae). Taxon: Vol. 43, pp. 455-457 Kinoshita K., Takizawa T., Koyama K., Takahashi K., 1995. New Triterpenes from Trichocereus pachanoi. Journal of Natural Products: Vol. 58, pp. 1739-1744. Kinoshita K., Takizawa T., Koyama K., Takahashi K., 1992. New Triterpenes from Trichocereus bridgesii. Journal of Natural Products: Vol. 55, pp. 953-955. Niklas K.J., Mauseth J. D., 1981. Relationships among Shoot Apical Meristem Ontogenic Features in Trichocereus pachanoi and Melocactus matanzanus (Cactaceae)
. American Journal of Botany: Vol. 68, pp. 101-106. Ogunbodedea O., McCombsa D., Trout K., Daley P., Terry M., 2010. New mescaline concentrations from 14 taxa/cultivars of Echinopsis spp. (Cactaceae) (“San Pedro”) and their relevance to shamanic practice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology: Vol. 131, pp. 356–362. Ogunbodedea O., 2009. Alkaloid Content in Relation to Ethnobotanical Use of Trichocereus pachanoi and Related Taxa. A Thesis Presented to the School of Arts and Sciences: Sul Ross State University. Ortega-Baes P., Gorostiague P., 2013. Extremely reduced sexual reproduction in the clonal cactus Echinopsis thelegona. Plant Syst Evol: Vol. 299, pp. 785–791 Ortega-Baes P., Rojas-Arechiga M., 2007. Seed germination of Trichocereus terscheckii (Cactaceae): Light, temperature and gibberellic acid effects. Journal of Arid Environments: Vol. 69, pp. 169–176. Schick R., 2011. Echinopsis sensu stricto and Trichocereus: Differentiating the Genera. Cactus and Succulent Journal: 83(6), pp. 248-255.

Prier, yup that is pretty much what my research has determined...

GoT this is the first time I saw this thread, but I remember the loph cake from the "other" board. Your wife is an amazing artist, thanks to both of you for sharing. Please let some of the other guys there know that I think about them often, especially naum and ferrel_human? Shine on bud! @mutant: Ganache (/ɡəˈnɑːʃ/; from the French word for "jowl")[1] is a glaze, icing, sauce, or filling for pastries made from chocolate and cream.[2] A video of making ganache Ganache is normally made by heating cream, then pouring it over chopped chocolate of any kind. The mixture is stirred or blended until smooth, with liqueurs or extractsadded if desired. Depending on the kind of chocolate used, for what purpose the ganache is intended, and the temperature at which it will be served, the ratio of chocolate to cream is varied to obtain the desired consistency. Typically, two parts chocolate to one part cream are used for filling cakes or as a base for making chocolate truffles, while one to one is commonly used as a glaze. Cooled ganache can be whipped to increase volume and spread to cover a cake. However, if left to cool too much it can become too thick and unspreadable. Ganesha on the other hand is the Hindu god with an elephant head, and is equally fantastic. https://soundcloud.com/mc-yogi/ganesh-is-fresh-feat-jai-uttal "Although he is known by many attributes, Ganesha's elephant head makes him easy to identify.[6] Ganesha is widely revered as the remover of obstacles,[7] the patron of arts and sciences and the deva of intellect and wisdom.[8] As the god of beginnings, he is honoured at the start of rituals and ceremonies. Ganesha is also invoked as patron of letters and learning during writing sessions.[9][10] Several texts relate mythological anecdotes associated with his birth and exploits and explain his distinct iconography."

Thank's for the comment MikeyMagic, I have to agree with you. Emotions also play a role in collecting junk to allow ourselves to feel like we have some kind of net worth. They also hinder us from interacting and sharing with others through judgements and the fear of ridicule. I recently had my first AirBnB experience and it was fantastic! I have traveled a bit staying on a couch here, or floor there, I always enjoy sharing a home with someone instead of being confined to a lonely hotel room.

Again as promised, I took these pictures earlier today... Juuls Giant x Lumberjack Lumberjack x Juuls Giant (left) & Juuls Giant x Lumberjack (right) Validius x Bridgesii (back) & Lumberjack x Validius (front) Lumberjack x Validius (left) & Juuls Giant x Peru (right) Spiders, no need to use pesticides in my garden

Check the rock eater's thread? There is some very good information here and also on the shroomery (under the same title). I don't have time to track them down myself, but perhaps others would be kind to do it for you if you still have trouble finding them? Edit: Well since you haven't received any replies since last night, I did it for ya. http://www.shaman-australis.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=37328&hl=%2Barticle+%2Bios I am technically not allowed to link to the shroomery, I can't honestly tell you if there is any dreaded consumption related talk, but I seriously doubt it. I have been banned there, but still had the bookmark. Hopefully my generosity doesn't get me in trouble... http://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/19284063#19284063

Only one way to find out ;). Or as C_T said, you can cut it up a bit and get a graft or 3 out of it. Plus the pieces you don't use you can callous and possibly root (indoors) and have some new stuff ready for when spring rolls back around. We still have about 2 more months where I'm at before the winter breaks . It was -3 yesterday and -1 today when I had to drag myself out of bed and head to class . You could always buy or trade moar cacti!

All cacti share a common ancestor, just as you and bananas share a common ancestor. At least according to evolutionary theory; according to recent molecular evidence bananas and humans share 50% of their DNA and diverged 1300-1600 Million years ago. However, the difference between tall columnar cacti with spines, and small globular cacti with trichomes is probably separated by a decent amount of time. I recently posted a research paper that I did, studying numerous texts on the subject. Here is some of the most recent scientific understanding of Trichocereus. "Arakaki et. al. 2011, indicates that Trichocereinae has a relatively recent evolutionarily origin, about 7.5-6.5 Mya, and that the genetic divergence between members is far lower than the difference shown by morphological and floral characters. Nyffeler & Eggli (2010), also point out that within the sub-tribe Trichocereinae, the most difficult group to interpret is the macro-genus Echinopsis. With most sources agreeing that despite being polyphyletic, all taxa within tribe Echinopsis are intimately related." Unfortunately, this website doesn't have any information on Trichocereus , but you can compare the separation between many other species. http://www.timetree.org/index.php

"Rowley, G.D. 1974. Reunion of the genus Echinopsis. A preface to nomenclatural revisions. IOS Bulletin 3: 93–99." I forgot to include this one in the zip file. I am pretty sure that Keeper Trout or M. S. Smith is solely responsible for tracking it down & uploading it. I owe a giant thank you KT, M. S. Smith, EG, and the rest of the SAB community! https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/57030275/Friedrich_Rowley_1974_IOSBulletin.pdf

As promised! I only grabbed some quick shots of the seedlings tonight, I'll get pictures of the grafts in another day or 2. Seeds sown October 9, 2012: Seeds sown October 18, 2012 Top Row Left to Right: Juuls Giant x (SS02 x SS01), Juuls Giant x Peru, Spachianus x Juuls Giant Bottom Row Left to Right: Validus x Lumberjack, Bridgesii x Validius, Ferrocactus from Modern.Shaman + a pup from a nitrogen cross that got knocked off Top Row Left to Right: Ferrocactus from Modern.Shaman + a pup from a nitrogen cross that got knocked off, Bridgesii x Validius, Validus x Lumberjack, Bottom Row Left to Right: Spachianus x Juuls Giant,Juuls Giant x Peru, Juuls Giant x (SS02 x SS01)