Shedding light on the mite menace

As the industry continues in its struggle to find a solution to the problem of red mite, could the answer simply lie in adjusting lighting patterns?

Scientists at Bristol University have now embarked on a research project to test the theory that intermittent lighting programmes can control mite numbers by disrupting their feeding pattern.

Dr Gerald Coles, who is heading the BEMB funded research project, told the Ranger that the idea stems from work carried out in Belgium. There, researchers studying the effects of different lighting patterns on egg production, happened to notice that there were less mite present where intermittent lighting was used. Dr Coles says the technique is now being used commercially in some parts of Europe, although there is no published work on the subject.

“We have embarked on a three month pilot study to see if we can establish the principle,” said Dr Coles. “If we are successful then further work will need to be carried out.”

Any lighting pattern that is found to be effective in controlling mite will have to be at least as productive as those currently used, says Dr Coles, and the other major consideration is the requirement to meet UK welfare legislation on minimum daylength.