Developing an ecotoxicological testing standard for predatory mites in Australia: Acute and sublethal effects of fungicides on Euseius victoriensis and Galendromus occidentalis (Acarina: Phytoseiidae)

Abstract

Laboratory bioassays for testing the effect of agrochemicals on Euseius victoriensis (Womersley) and Galendromus occidentalis (Nesbitt) on detached leaves of Glycine max (L.) (soybean) and Phaseolus vulgaris L. (French bean) were developed. The tests allowed standardized comparisons between mite species and leaf substrates, under "worst-case scenario" exposure, comparable with commercial pesticide application. Young juveniles, along with their initial food and the entire water supply, were sprayed to the point of runoff by using a Potter spray tower. The highest registered field rate concentration used on French bean was adjusted to deliver the same pesticide dose per higher runoff point spr..