• Transforming crop protection: the rise of predatory mites

  September 17, 2025

  It all started with a stick, a spider nest, and a curious boy exploring the Andalusian countryside. From a young age, Jose Eduardo Belda (Innovation Manager [...] eventually, a pivotal role in shaping the course of biological control in Spain. The Swirskii breakthrough that changed everything One of his earliest [...] tightening. Within just a few years, he and the team developed a reliable, proven protocol based on Amblyseius swirskii and Orius . It was a turning point. “For

• A step-by-step guide to whitefly control

  pesticides has driven a shift toward Integrated Pest Management (IPM), focusing on biological solutions. These pests favor a variety of crops such as tomatoes [...] ion The accurate identification of whitefly species is crucial because Tobacco whiteflies ( Bemisia tabaci ) require a different management strategy compared [...] Recognizing the differences between species is key: Species Greenhouse whiteflies Tobacco whiteflies Eggs Lay eggs at the tops of plants; eggs turn brown to black

• The cost-saving potential of biological crop protection for your IPM strategy

  February 20, 2025

  example of this is the use of a combination of the Orius predatory bug in combination with the banker plant Lobularia. Trials have shown that a preventative [...] efficient use of resources. A significant portion of the current research on biocontrol assessment relies on market data, such as crop yields, prices, and the [...] , bacteria or fungi). Biological control agents are a proven strategy for managing target species, decreasing reliance on pesticides, and improving ecosystem

• The various stages of the spider mite

  March 4, 2023

  Advanced biocontrol of spider mite with Spidex Vital Spical: The Effective Weapon Against All Types of Spider Mite Spical predatory mite: a true all-rounder [...] adult spider mite, i.e., a mite in its fifth stage of development, can vary in color quite considerably. Adult females are half a millimeter in size, and [...] microscope, you will easily recognize all stages of its lifecycle. It starts with the eggs, which are as round as a ball. These eggs produce larvae, which have

• Harness the added value of nature's helpers

  November 29, 2022

  beneficial soil-borne nematodes. Make sure the soil is a good place for them to live. There's a wealth of knowledge about this in the organic farming sector [...] Management What is Biological Control? IPM: The Path to a Successful Approach The How and Why of IPM Integrated crop management: the key to sustainable [...] solutions in the field of integrated pest management for over 55 years, mainly for protected crops. Natural enemies are used on a large scale to combat

• How do you identify a ‘thrips intruder’?

  September 20, 2021

  traps. In short, a busy, striped insect is probably setosus. If you find a slow, striped insect at the bottom of the crop, there is a good chance you have [...] determining the exact identity of the intruder. Because specific knowledge and expertise is a must, only an expert can provide a definitive answer. Nevertheless [...] dubious honour of a visit from americanus . Western flower and onion thrips look very similar. And relying on the colour alone doesn't provide a solution either

• IPM: The Path to a Successful Approach

  April 23, 2019

  the Challenges of the Future Finish Clean with an IPM Based Program The How and Why of IPM The Benefits of Integrated Pest Management A system for sustainable [...] you looking for a solution to a particular problem? Or do you want to better meet the requirements of your customers? Call in help: a consultant you trust [...] need to know to get started! Fortunately, a lot of experience and knowledge about IPM has already been gained. A thorough step-by-step plan with all relevant

• Spical predatory mite: a true all-rounder

  December 13, 2022

  mites are ineffective in a limited number of crops, mainly the ones with sticky glandular hairs. Tomato is the best known of these crops, but ornamental [...] ion Ten facts about Spical Ten facts about spider mites Spider mite isn't a picky eater – it's found in almost every crop worldwide. But there is hope: [...] and the predatory mite in Spical goes mad for it! You can call on the help of these predatory mites in many crops: vegetables (in the greenhouse and outdoors)

• Guarantee a Flying Start to Great Pollination

  May 1, 2018

  open-field crops. Each Quad contains four large bumblebee colonies enclosed in a weather-resistant outer unit. Quad units are designed with the appropriate [...] prior to delivery. Koppert bumblebees are certified by the Michigan Department of Agriculture to be disease- and pest-free. Koppert QUAD pollination units are [...] weight, easy to handle, and can be moved between crops to maximize the benefits of your investment. Koppert QUAD pollination units are equipped with “bee-home”

• 6 Steps for a Successful Mealybug Biological Program

  March 14, 2024

  your compatible sprays There may come a time when you need to do a knockdown spray. Review your options ahead of time, and consider chemical side effects [...] bottles, such as Citripar , out of direct sunlight. Release early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Avoid the hottest part of the day. Avoid releasing [...] own set of challenges and considerations. For personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs, don't hesitate to reach out to our team of Koppert