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

  October 6, 2025

  Innovation in biological crop protection is central to Koppert. A striking example of this is the successful upscaling of Amblydromalus limonicus , better [...] Koppert apart is its deep-rooted expertise in the production of natural enemies, built up since its foundation in 1967. “Those years of experience form [...] combination of in-depth knowledge, technical breakthroughs, and strategic collaboration, Koppert has succeeded in making Limonica available in commercial

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

  January 31, 2025

  plant open to determine what is feeding in the whorl. The role of biological pest control Biological control involves the use of natural predators, parasitoids [...] transition is not just about preparing for planting; it is also a critical time for pest and disease management. Effective scouting during these months is essential [...] for diseases is to understand what a healthy plant looks like. This is specifically key to identifying seedling diseases. Plants communicate in colour and

• Downy mildew of Cucurbits

  bordered by the veins, which are first yellow and then turn brown. On the underside of the leave fluffy growth appears which is first white and later turns [...] turns grey-brown. This is actually the sporulation of the pathogens extruding from the stomata. Life cycle and appearance of Downy mildew Pathogens causing [...] or surviving mycelium sporangia are formed, structures in which zoospores are produced. However, in downy mildews, sporangia often germinate directly and

• Pierce's disease of grapevine

  General Xylella fastidiosa is a gram-negative bacterium which is limited to xylem tissue. It has many hosts, many of which show minor or no symptoms. More [...] Recently, it is becoming more problematic in olive. Damage symptoms Grapevines: Primary infection of leaves results in leaf scorch. Part of a green leaf [...] happens faster in younger vines than in older ones and faster in susceptible cultivars (within 2-3 years) than in more tolerant cultivars, which may survive

• Vidi Fol (Fortafol)

  systems: Dissolve the required amount of Vidi Fol in the appropriate amount of water for the device that is used The pH of the solution should be between 5 [...] All crops. Mode of action Fulvic acids improve permeability the of cell membranes, leading to better transport of nutrients. This results in higher photosynthesis [...] required amount of water Add the correct amount of Vidi Fol to the water Mix thoroughly Fill the tank with the remaining amount of water The pH of the solution

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

  This way of working allows him to gain experience in using biological crop protection . As a result, he acquires a lot of knowledge and is prepared to [...] organic farming was miles ahead in terms of sustainability and environmental friendliness, but that gap is getting smaller. In 15 years, I expect there will [...] increase in effective organic methods." Limitation in use of chemical pesticides The increasing interest, especially from governmental bodies, in organic

• Foot rot of cereals

  (GS 75). Later infections may result in infection of the grain without obvious bleaching of the ears. The presence of orange/pink spores may also be visible [...] result in shrivelled grains with a chalky white or pink appearance, although this is not always the case. Life cycle and appearance of Foot rot of cereals [...] conditions, making it particularly problematic in temperate regions. Damage symptoms M. nivale is the primary pathogen in the group that causes seedling blight

• 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. [...] and appearance of Loose smut of wheat The seeds are infected during flowering and the infected seeds are the primary source of inoculum in the next crop [...] 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

• 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. [...] and appearance of Loose smut of barley The seeds are infected during flowering and the infected seeds are the primary source of inoculum in the next crop [...] 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 Ustilago

• Black root rot of cucurbits

  may kill the 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 [...] and appearance of Black root rot of cucurbits Phomopsis sclerotioides survives in the soil and is a strong saprophytic competitor, which means it can rapidly [...] 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