• The Swirski-Mite Revolution: A Game-Changer in Pest Control

  September 30, 2024

  introduced in a variety of circumstances. Think of factors such as humidity, day length and temperature range that play a role in determining whether a biocontrol [...] swirskii marked a huge step forward in the combined control of the major thrips species and greenhouse and tobacco whiteflies everywhere. “It was a huge hit right [...] the product range was expanded with a rearing sachet, Swirski-Mite Plus . Then the Long Duration variant came on the market; due to a different composition

• How a little predatory mite laid the foundation for biocontrol today

  June 5, 2024

  cucumber crop and set out to find a natural solution. One that would last for a very long time… ‘Back in the 60s, my father was a cucumber grower battling with [...] It started as a germ of an idea, or rather a little predatory mite in this case. Koppert’s pioneer, Jan Koppert noticed that chemical sprays were ineffective [...] found what he was looking for - the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis .’ Back home, he introduced it into his own greenhouse where, after a number of

• A turning point in Almeria: how predatory mites helped transform agriculture

  April 16, 2025

  banned substances. Greenpeace launched a major campaign, and the reputation of Almeria’s growers was at stake. “ There was no other option, ” Kris says. “ We [...] explains. “ It was effective and efficient, it really saved agriculture in Almeria. ” The switch wasn’t just about replacing chemicals - it was about a mindset [...] biological control was only for the high-tech greenhouses in the north of Europe. Not for us. ” But things changed. And Koppert was at the heart of that

• Chula Brand is a pioneer in biological pest control in papaya

  g for Chula Brand, since we went from a conventional management to a more environmentally friendly one. What was the most challenging at the beginning [...] Brand, a leading company in the production and export of papayas, which has managed to control the pests responsible for losses in its production in a safe [...] part of their mission as a producer is to contribute to healthy food in the world and, to achieve this, they must produce food with a lower chemical load.

• A legacy of sustainability: Stolk Brothers and Koppert’s shared vision

  February 17, 2025

  For Pieter Stolk, the transition to biological crop protection was both a necessity and a calling. “In the early 90s, my father and uncle began working [...] not impressed,” Pieter laughs. “That was a lesson in balance—innovation is great, but practicality matters too.” A future built on collaboration One of [...] we needed a better, healthier alternative.” That’s when they turned to Koppert’s biological solutions. At the time, biological pest control was seen as

• Towards a chemical-free future in agriculture: The vision of grower Koen

  towards organic farming was growing, Koen felt that it would be too quick to completely abandon traditional methods. He decided to find a balance between both [...] him to gain experience in using biological crop protection . As a result, he acquires a lot of knowledge and is prepared to fully transition to biological [...] ies to adapt my farm to a future where chemical methods will gradually disappear. I believe that the agricultural sector has a natural interest in such

• Limonica: breakthrough in large-scale production of a complex predatory mite

  August 5, 2025

  the best food. It is a diva. And that makes its production complex.” From unstable produce to robust upscaling The challenge was not only in the rearing [...] Innovation in biological crop protection is central to Koppert. A striking example of this is the successful upscaling of Amblydromalus limonicus , better [...] but is considered one of the most difficult species to produce. Thanks to a combination of in-depth knowledge, technical breakthroughs, and strategic

• Why Isarid is a grower-approved ally against pests in ornamentals

  August 31, 2022

  diseases no chance! IPM: The Path to a Successful Approach The How and Why of IPM Effective Biological Control: Keep a Close Eye on Everything Green Valley [...] nursery is a benchmark for success in innovation and quality production practices. Andrew Butler, head grower at Green Valley Greenhouse, was recently awarded [...] benefits from using Isarid , Koppert's biological insecticide, for the control of a wide­­­­ variety of common pests like whitefly , aphids , thrips , mealybugs

• A life-long commitment to help growers thrive with sustainable growing practice

  December 10, 2024

  up in a farming family, Rianne's father was a pioneer in using biological solutions for his crops. He also devoted half of his land to creating a tiny forest [...] that biological solutions work required a shift from a curative mindset to a preventive approach — aiming at a natural balance in their crops and how to [...] gives us the best results and a great deal of satisfaction.’ A soft spot for Spidex Spidex or Phytoseiulus persimilis was the first predatory mite introduced

• A Hybrid Approach to IPM by Jeremy Webber in GrowerTalks Biosolutions Guide 2025

  May 15, 2025

  g point about the effectiveness of a good mycoinsecticide on thrips , whitefly , and fungus gnats. What was once a niche approach to greenhouse production [...] England production facilities, and was Director of Operations for a large perennial wholesale nursery. Jeremy’s shipped a wide range of perennials, shrubs [...] Jeremy Webber makes the case for a hybrid approach to IPM in ornamentals in the GrowerTalks Biosolutions Guide 2025 . In A Hybrid Approach to IPM he maintains