Mass rearing Typhlodromus occidentalis Nesbitt (Acarina: Phytoseiidae) for release in orchards [two-spotted mite control]

Two methods are described for mass rearing and releasing Typhlodromus occidentalis into orchards. The first involves rearing the predator on mite infested apple trees and the second consists of rearing them in a field of mite infested soy‐beans. In 1977‐78 T. occidentalis was released in approximately 3000 ha of apple and peach trees in 216 orchards. Establishment was detected on 46 of the 49 orchards examined during the winter after release. The second method had logistic advantages over the first.