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Abstract

In one exemplar embodiment, method and apparatus are disclosed for producing parasitic mites in quantities sufficient for commercial use as a biological control agent for selected insect pests. A parent stock of the parasitic mites is produced of which the greatest proportion are gravid female mites. A quantity of selected insect hosts is prepared for parasitization by the parasitic mites. Then the selected insect hosts are introduced into close proximity to the parent stock of parasitic mites and separated therefrom by a screen for permitting host-seeking parasitic mite offspring to find the insect hosts. The insect hosts are then exposed to the parent stock of parasitic mites for a predetermined time period for parasitizing the insect hosts by the host-seeking parasitic mite offspring. The parasitized insect hosts are separated from the parent stock of parasitic mites and then incubated for a predetermined time period for producing a stock of adult parasitic mites of which the greatest proportion are gravid female mites that will produce host-seeking parasitic mite offspring for use as a biological control agent.

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First Claim