Certainty in the quality of every sachet and bottle of our predatory mites

Behind each of Koppert's predatory mite-based products lies an invisible yet fundamental commitment: we do everything it takes to ensure they meet our highest quality standards. This is not just a simple promise but a reality built day by day thanks to the work of people like Bertha María Toledo, Biological Quality Coordinator at Koppert Mexico. Her role is essential to ensure that every predatory mite reaching our customers is in optimal condition to protect their crops. Bertha's unique connection with predatory mites reinforces her conviction to ensure they arrive in perfect condition to perform their task: protecting the crops that provide us with food.

Originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, Bertha showed a passion for biodiversity and agriculture from an early age. Her fascination with ecosystems and the interaction between living beings led her to study Agricultural Sustainable Innovation Engineering, a field that combines knowledge of biology and agronomy to promote environmentally friendly agricultural practices. For Bertha, plants are fundamental pillars of ecosystems, not only because they provide us with food but also because they sustain life on earth.

Bertha found in Koppert the perfect place to merge her love for plants with her commitment to ecological management that reduces pesticide use. Since 2014, she has been dedicated to ensuring the quality of the predatory mites that Koppert produces and imports. Her work involves verifying the quantity, activity, and capability of these small yet powerful allies, ensuring they arrive strong and effective to farmers' crops.

“Predatory mites are tiny creatures, but they are excellent fighters. They combat pests voraciously and adapt to different conditions to protect plants”, Bertha passionately explains. This adaptability, combined with the mites' voracity and tenacity, guarantees their effectiveness in the field. Predatory mites not only fight pests directly but also help maintain ecological balance, enabling more sustainable and resilient agriculture.

Koppert's commitment to quality goes beyond production. From breeding in biofactories to packaging and worldwide distribution, every step of the process is carried out with rigorous standards. Bertha highlights the importance of the cold chain during transportation, a critical factor that ensures the mites arrive in optimal conditions at their destination. Innovation in packaging also plays a crucial role: different formats, such as bottles, paper sachets, foil sachets, and buckets, are designed to maintain the viability of these beneficial organisms until their release in the field.

Bertha's expertise in biological quality assessment also includes conducting predation experiments and studying mite biology to determine their oviposition rate, longevity, and behavior under different conditions. “The first time I saw the effect of predatory mites on a crop, I was amazed. Seeing how a plant remained healthy and vigorous thanks to these tiny allies was a revealing experience”, she recalls.

Bertha's story reflects the spirit of Koppert: a pioneering company that was not only the first to introduce a predatory mite for pest control but has also continued to innovate to offer superior quality products. The combination of scientific research, cutting-edge technology, and deep respect for nature distinguishes Koppert in the global market. The legacy of our founder, Jan Koppert, lives on through the commitment of everyone involved in breeding and distribution. Jan Koppert, a visionary Dutch grower, pioneered the use of natural solutions for pest control when he introduced predatory mites as an alternative to chemical pesticides. His innovative spirit and dedication to sustainable agriculture continue to inspire our practices today. “Providing certainty to our customers is the first step towards a successful crop protection strategy, and our customers' success is the future for my child and future generations”, she emphasizes.

“Nothing beats original” is not just a slogan but a philosophy that lives in every detail of the work of people like Bertha. Her dedication ensures that our predatory mites and other natural enemies continue to make a difference in sustainable agriculture, securing a future where food production is in harmony with the environment. Thanks to her work, our customers can be certain that they are receiving not just a product but the trust of Koppert in every carefully crafted package, ensuring the highest standards of quality and reliability.