Predatory mites to combat thrips and whitefly

A number of predatory mites can be used to combat thrips and whitefly. Each has its unique strengths. However, they must meet one requirement, which is to contribute to a biological system that ensures the highest possible level of harvest security.

Cucumeris
When it comes to predatory mites that are used to combat thrips and whitefly. Neoseiulus cucumeris, which also goes by its brand name "Thripex", is an old hand in the market. Yvonne van Houten, Senior Researcher of entomology at Koppert: "Cucumeris is a generalist while it preys on thrips, it also eats whitefly and some spider mites. It is active from 12º C."

Swirskii
Koppert brought Amblyseius swirskii onto the market more than ten years ago. At the time, it was being developed for use in Mediterranean countries. This was due to the fact that, while swirskii is active in temperatures from 15º C to 16º C on up, it continues to prey on and eat pests at extremely high temperatures until well into the thirties. Tim Bossinga, Product Manager Biologicals, explains, "This characteristic means swirskii is also suitable for use in glass greenhouses in temperate regions. In the summer months, the temperature within the greenhouse is liable to shoot up."

Limonicus
Although Amblydromalus limonicus has only been on the market a few years, it has a fairly long history. Koppert brought it onto the market in 2012. Limonicus, known by its brand name "Limonica", differs from Amblyseius swirskii in the way that it is active even at lower temperatures (from 11º C). This attribute means it is suitable for use in colder regions and on early crops. It lays a lot of eggs and is extremely aggressive. Limonicus preys on both the eggs and all larval stages of whitefly, and also eats larger thrips larvae.

For more information:
Koppert Biological Systems
Email: [email protected]
www.koppert.com