ABSTRACT
A ram-venturi metering and distribution system for predaceous mites was further evaluated under both laboratory and field conditions. It was found to be unacceptable because of unexplained inconsistencies of mite survival and distribution. Both auger and belt metering devices were evaluated for mite survivability and show good potential for metering mites. The belt system is more adaptable to low metering rates and requires less power to operate. A mite metering system that requires tumbling to maintain uniformity in a mite-carrier material is unacceptable because of high mite mortality, especially after 8 minutes of tumbling.
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