• Two-spotted spider mite control in hardy nursery stock grown in polytunnels

  July 20, 2021

  hairs. “For the protection of tall open canopies we like to use the Spidex Boost ® sachets, which can be attached from the plant’s petiole using the sachet’s [...] sachet’s hook. Once in position, a small incision to the sachet allows the predators to escape over the ensuing 7-10 days,” explained Steve. For plants with [...] achieved using the Spidex Vital ® shaker system, but for greater accuracy in terms of application rate and distribution, the use of the Mini Airbug® or

• Natutec Drive – On the road to precision biological control

  March 10, 2021

  with success by growers in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands. Demo trials are currently being set up in Germany, France and the US. Koppert Biological [...] equipment, no matter what system is in place.' Proving popular in the UK 'Currently we are preparing for the spring season with the production of 20 Natutec Drive [...] mites and insects essential for the biological control of pests and diseases in the cultivation of fruit and vegetables in a variety of situations. Three

• Vidi Parva

  acids in herbal extract. Preparation Shake the container well before use Fill the application tank with half the required amount of water Add the required [...] applied via drench or drip at the base of the plant, around the roots or sprayed on the plant canopy. Application as drench or via the irrigation system: A separate [...] essential amino acid that triggers the production of auxins. These auxins boost the formation of cytokinins which in turn induce the formation of fine roots and

• Spidex Vital® sets new standards in spider control

  May 12, 2021

  system The ultimate outcome of the Spidex Vital ® project was the birth of a new P. persimilis product, but fundamental to this outcome, was the development [...] and consistency. The original system is now obsolete, which means that Tetranychus urticae , which was the principle food source in the old rearing system [...] not congregate around the rim of the applicator bottles when applying the product manually. The fact that they remain within the carrier is a positive

• How to protect bumblebees in cold

  colonies thrive in low temperatures: Warmth is key Place the hives in the warmest part of the tunnel/greenhouse, ensuring they catch the morning sun. Make [...] inside or around the hive to incubate the brood. It's crucial to protect the brood during such conditions to avoid damage Keep in mind that the impact of climate [...] Make sure the hive is in a sheltered environment. Sunlight exposure Position the hives on the side that receives the most sun during cold periods, maximizing

• ‘Knowing & recognizing’ now available in 4 languages

  May 23, 2018

  and Spanish. The English version was launched in October last year. ‘The success of the English version underlined the urgent need to have the information [...] . A knowledge company The English version of ‘Knowing and recognizing’ was launched at the Annual Biocontrol Industry Meeting in Basel, Switzerland, last [...] of ‘Knowing & recognizing’ was published 25 years ago. The new version is the biggest to date, partly because of the new section on microbiology – an in

• A turning point in Almeria: how predatory mites helped transform agriculture

  May 19, 2025

  biological control was only for the high-tech greenhouses in the north of Europe. Not for us. ” But things changed. And Koppert was at the heart of that t [...] Back in the late 1990s, the idea of growing vegetables without chemicals in southern Spain seemed almost impossible. “ At that time, there was only one [...] ahead of the game ’. The crisis that changed everything The turning point came during the 2006-2007 season. Supermarkets across Europe, especially in Germany

• Natutec Drive – ‘In a class of its own!’

  June 4, 2021

  Dyson Farming in the UK took the decision to acquire the Natutec Drive tool to disperse its biological pest control products. ‘It was a brilliant move [...] about innovation.’ Dyson Farming is the biggest private landowner in the United Kingdom and grows a variety of crops. The family-owned agricultural company [...] tool unfold over the crop to blow the live products accurately and uniformly over the strawberry plant foliage without harming the insects. We are really satisfied

• A Future Vision of IPM in Agriculture

  July 22, 2022

  pests in open field cropping systems. One of the main drivers has been the continued demise of approved agrochemicals, in particular insecticides in Europe [...] Europe. In addition, the development of insect resistance has also become a serious issue in pests such as aphids , thrips and Lepidoptera species. Further [...] drivers include the development of more robust environmental stewardship schemes, as well as the requirements of food retailers to limit the number of pesticide

• Thrip control in Strawberry with Orius laevagatus

  May 8, 2019

  stages of the pest, including the adults. The presence of pollen enhances the rate of development of Orius, hence they are frequently found in the flowers [...] on thrips. The establishment of Orius is most effective at day temperatures in excess of 18 0 C, and in view of this, the introduction of the predatory [...] Control of thrips using the predatory bug Orius laevigatus in strawberry crops. Thrips are one of the most difficult pests for the strawberry grower. They