• Loose smut of wheat

  emergence. The first sign of infection is the appearance of a smutted ear. Instead of normal tissue, the ear contains a mass of olive-brown smut spores. [...] Ustilago nuda f.sp. tritici is a basidiomyceteous fungus that affects wheat. It is also known as loose wheat smut, or loose smut of wheat. Damage symptoms Infection [...] within a day and infect the inner tissues of the newly infected seed. During maturation of the seed, the mycelium becomes thick-walled and swollen as a dormant

• Loose smut of barley

  emergence. The first sign of infection is the appearance of a smutted ear. Instead of normal tissue, the ear contains a mass of olive-brown smut spores. [...] hordei affects barley and can destroy a large proportion of the crop. It is also known as barley smut, or loose smut of barley. Damage symptoms Infection by [...] within a day and infect the inner tissues of the newly infected seed. During maturation of the seed, the mycelium becomes thick-walled and swollen as a dormant

• Bacterial canker of tomato

  tubers. This discolouration is round, hence the name ring rot. Life cycle and appearance of Bacterial canker of tomato Clavibacter is seed-borne and tuber-borne [...] structures Use a crop rotation in field crops of at least two years and alternate with a non-host crop Apply deep-ploughing to stimulate the decay of crop residues [...] usually white with a brown centre. In potato, the disease usually only occurs in the second half of the season. The first symptoms are wilting of the lower leaves

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

  decided to find a balance between both approaches. This way of working allows him to gain experience in using biological crop protection . As a result, he acquires [...] acquires a lot of knowledge and is prepared to fully transition to biological crop protection when the government decides that certain traditional methods [...] miles ahead in terms of sustainability and environmental friendliness, but that gap is getting smaller. In 15 years, I expect there will be no difference

• Black root rot of cucurbits

  plants. In case of a less severe infection, the vines may wilt at a late stage of the crop, but when water supply is in any way limited during earlier periods [...] stripes. The disease is usually restricted to a few of the roots but in severe cases all roots may be infected. At the final stage of the disease, only vascular [...] fruit rot. Life cycle and appearance of Black root rot of cucurbits Phomopsis sclerotioides survives in the soil and is a strong saprophytic competitor, which

• A life-long passion for predatory mites

  September 30, 2024

  mites?’ he asks with a smile. Koppert has been producing commercial quantities of predatory mites for more than half a century and is a global leader in this [...] Collaboration is key Staying ahead of the game by listening to growers and anticipating their problems is a daily routine at Koppert. It means that a number of [...] the use of chemical agents for a safer and healthier planet. I have found my passion in life. Koppert is the place for me to be.’

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

  August 5, 2025

  Innovation in biological crop protection is central to Koppert. A striking example of this is the successful upscaling of Amblydromalus limonicus , better known [...] predatory mite is exceptionally effective against various insect pests, but is considered one of the most difficult species to produce. Thanks to a combination [...] produce and deliver Limonica on a large scale.” The importance of patents for innovation and reliability Tom Groot, responsible for the patent process, emphasizes

• Getting a head start - The importance of scouting in winter

  January 31, 2025

  winter to early spring. For growers, this transition is not just about preparing for planting; it is also a critical time for pest and disease management [...] interventions. An important principle to scout for diseases is to understand what a healthy plant looks like. This is specifically key to identifying seedling [...] Scouting techniques for effective pest scouting Effective pest scouting involves a combination of visual inspections and the use of tools such as Koppert’s

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

  February 17, 2025

  .” Predatory mites: the backbone of a sustainable strategy For Stolk Brothers, predatory mites form the foundation of their biological crop protection [...] dedication to growers. “Koppert is more than just a supplier; they’re a partner in our journey. Their consultants help us stay ahead of potential issues, not just [...] that a chemical-free plant is actually the healthier choice. If a predatory mite leaves behind some residue, it’s proof that biological control is working—but

• Optimal placement of bumblebee hives

  and access for both parties. For optimal visibility, it is recommended to place the colonies near pathways, preferably within a distance of 2 meters. During [...] summer) During these seasons, it is advisable to position the hives at a height of 20 – 60 cm above the ground on the south side of the path. This location ensures [...] Correct placement of hives The right placement of bumblebee hives can significantly enhance the pollination efficiency of bumblebees. The following steps