Spidex offers a solution for dozens of crops

Spider mite is a global problem, but there is a solution – its natural enemy, the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis is used globally in a wide range of food and ornamental crops.

Spidex is a biological control product based on the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis. It is nothing new, having first been introduced in 1967 when it was used solely in greenhouses on both vegetable and ornamental crops. It has since been proven that Spidex is an effective solution in various crops, both in the greenhouse and the field. Phytoseiulus persimilis is a strong predatory mite that can thrive in multiple conditions.

This means that you can use Spidex in a wide variety of crops, including vegetables (in the greenhouse and field), cut flowers, potted plants, ornamental shrubs, field beans, soft fruit, and woody fruit crops. Citrus is an important area of application.

We are constantly on the lookout for new techniques for using this predatory mite: these natural enemies have recently been spread by drone over the vast strawberry fields of California.

Unfortunately, all that glitters is not gold, and this predatory mite does have its limits. Persimilis has difficulty moving over the leaves of crops that grow hairs or glandular hairs – the tomato plant for example. In this crop, predatory bugs and gall midges are the natural enemy of choice.

As Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is always a complete system, it may be sensible to combine Spidex with gall midges (Spidend) or Spical, which contains the predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus, in some crops.