• Swirski-Mite Helps You Stay in Control

  August 18, 2021

  If you're fighting thrips and whitefly , then Swirski-Mite is an excellent partner in crime. The product contains Amblyseius swirskii , a predatory mite [...] all that picky when it comes to its daily meal. It eats many species of small insects and mites, which is ideal when different types of pests occur simultaneously [...] Swirski-Mite is available in various formulations, so there's always a tailor-made solution. The swirskii predatory mite likes nice weather. But it can survive

• Ten Facts About Thrips

  August 18, 2021

  Thrips is a big enemy for many crops and is a problem that can quickly take on big proportions. As a grower, your approach to handling this insect is something [...] something you can't take lightly – a well-considered strategy is an absolute must. Knowledge about this pest, together with the guidance of Koppert consultants [...] about thrips to help you brush up your knowledge. Western Flower Thrips Frankliniella occidentalis on a leaf 1. How can you recognize thrips ? These flying

• The Pest is Gone, but What Happened to the Good Guys?

  August 18, 2021

  question is: where have they gone? Most natural enemies really need their favorite pest to survive. When it is no longer present, they fly or walk around [...] around in search of new food. If they don't find it, they will eventually die. Biological beneficials generally have a short life span. So they just disappear [...] varies by species. Parasitic wasps are fragile and often only live a few weeks. However, some species of predatory mites can survive for quite a while without

• IPM: The Path to a Successful Approach

  August 18, 2021

  A system for sustainable cultivation, in which you minimize use of chemicals; that is integrated pest management (IPM) in a nutshell. You can fully adapt [...] system to your own crop and company, and there is always something new to learn. But how do you get started? We'll tell you what you 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 parts can be found on our Integrated

• IPM: The Answer to the Challenges of the Future

  August 18, 2021

  products are increasingly unpopular, which is why Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is gaining ground. And we're not surprised. After all, IPM helps keep [...] impact on people and the environment. IPM combines the use of natural enemies with minimal use of chemicals. Biological if possible, chemical if necessary [...] necessary. It is a flexible system that can always be adapted to new circumstances. We provide a summary of the major reasons for the switch from chemicals to

• Thrips Can Get Out of Hand Quickly!

  August 18, 2021

  occidentalis damage on phalaenopsis A quick response is required if thrips are to be brought under control. A small spot with thrips can become a real infestation [...] infestation in no time! The temperature in particular determines how quickly the problem spreads: the higher the temperature it is, the more active the thrips [...] multiply. This is why the insects feel so at home in a warm greenhouse. Other factors also play a role, such as humidity and the type of crop. An additional

• Flowering and Pollination – One of the Most Critical Blueberry Growth Stages

  May 30, 2022

  By Mark van der Werf, Soft Fruit Consultant, Koppert Biological Systems Blueberries and bio-stimulants are a strong combination, especially during the [...] are flowering, and pollination is taking place: the right bio-stimulant at the right growth stage can have a major impact on blueberry production and quality [...] quality. Spring has arrived in the northern hemisphere, with bees, butterflies and other pollinators becoming more active. Along with many other crops, b

• Tackling Thrips is Always a Puzzle

  August 18, 2021

  s damage on a gerbera flower In the top ten of infestations that lead to sleepless nights, thrips is near the top. Western flower thrips , in particular [...] particular, occasionally drives growers to despair. Thrips is a minute, slender insect, and there are various species. These days, the western flower thrips causes [...] causes the most problems. It pricks cells on the surface of leaves and flowers and sucks them dry. This causes silver-grey spots on the leaves, which are very

• Swirski-Mite: First Aid for Problems with Thrips and Whitefly

  August 18, 2021

  signs of an outbreak of thrips or whitefly ? The natural enemy Amblyseius swirskii can help you fight these infestations effectively. Well begun is half [...] done! A pack of Swirski Mite contains predatory mites of the species Amblyseius swirskii . These mites are no larger than a pinhead. They are mixed in with [...] predatory mites and at the same time makes it easier to scatter them through the crop. Scattering is the best method of dispersal in the case of a rapidly spreading

• Effective Biological Control: Keep a Close Eye on Everything

  August 18, 2021

  control is much more effective if you have a clear picture of what is happening. You should establish whether the infestation is getting worse or diminishing [...] diminishing, or whether the beneficials feel at home and are reproducing or not. Monitoring – systematically keeping track of how the situation is developing [...] developing – is therefore crucial. In fact, this is the cornerstone of effective biological control. Monitoring can be done in two ways: by checking the crop itself