• A good fruit set is the start of a good production!

  April 6, 2020

  sufficient pollinators in the crop. When Natupol bumblebees are introduced as planned, good pollination is ensured. This is in addition to natural occurring [...] for example is actively involved in pollen germination and seed, fruit and nut development. When the flowers are opening, active pollination is needed. Most [...] occurs. After fertilization there is a period of rapid cell division when there is a high demand for energy. Calcium is essential during this period, and

• The Swirski-Mite Revolution: A Game-Changer in Pest Control

  October 21, 2024

  Amblyseius swirskii is not only an extremely effective glutton, it can also be used in many crops and under a great variety of circumstances. In the first instance [...] this is how Swirski-Mite is viewed by the market: as a natural enemy that does its work reliably in all kinds of situations. For growers on their farms [...] It is still the benchmark, the one pest control product that everyone else in the field automatically uses to compare other natural enemies, old or new

• Flowering and Pollination in Blueberry

  April 4, 2019

  blueberry growth-cycle. The first is bud initiation in the autumn. Before the plant goes into dormancy, the plant is ‘deciding’ which buds will be vegetative [...] flowers in spring. Poor growth in the late summer/early autumn will limit the number of generative buds, and, consequently, the yield. Flowering is the second [...] and set fruit in a 2-3-week window, during which the plant experiences a tremendous hormonal shift to support this reproductive phase. In addition to the

• Navigating Energy Efficiency, Greenhouse Lighting & Pollination Success

  December 1, 2023

  where less daylight is available. As a result, bumblebees may not become active or only become active much later in the day. It is essential that the flowers [...] more and higher intensity LED is a trend which will help to reduce pollination issues in the dark winter conditions. In case of heavy snow on the deck [...] day, it is best to keep hives closed and run hand pollination for one day, or when less that an average 1,5 biting mark is found. Humidity Is Also A Critical

• Two-spotted spider mite

  crop protection in agriculture Phytoseiulus persimilis Neoseiulus californicus Chula Brand is a pioneer in biological pest control in papaya A dive into [...] mite control in hardy nursery stock grown in polytunnels Spidex Vital® sets new standards in spider control Spidex Vital: Your Vital partner in spider mite [...] such webs in which the mites live. The webbing and spotting on the leaves affects the appearance of the crop. This is of particular concern in ornamental

• Whitefly

  comparable in outline. Whitefly can be found in many different environments, but they are particularly common in greenhouse settings and in agricultural [...] whiteflies are usually white or pale yellow in color. This is due to the wax produced by the adults, which is covering their body and wings. Some species [...] the growth is obstructed by the stiff hairs. As soon as the red eyes of the adult whitefly are visible in the fourth larval instar, the stage is referred

• European biocontrol industry proposes new EU regulatory framework

  November 28, 2018

  requirements. In the White Paper sent to the EU, it proposes that risk-based evaluations should be conducted using high-level scientific expertise in close c [...] biological measures for crop protection and supporting innovation in this field. Continuing in the way things are done now, the EU will never meet the sust [...] legislators reacted to this paper? ‘It is still unclear at this stage, but we all hope they will support it. Pressure is being exerted from various quarters

• Koppert collaborates with Valto to control harmful tomato virus

  October 8, 2018

  strains present in the greenhouse. V10 covers both so mutation is less likely and plants are protected naturally. This twofold protection is what distinguishes [...] Koppert Product Manager, Kris De Smet. ‘Registration in several European countries is expected in a few weeks or months’ time. We expect that tomato growers [...] cycle. The same is true for vaccinations in humans, so growers understand this. The benefits are clear, so we don’t expect major concerns in that field,’

• Thrips

  cause problems in agriculture and horticulture. Thrips are small insects (0.5-14 mm), with the largest species found in the tropics. In temperate regions [...] female deposits an egg, she makes an opening in the plant tissue. The eggs are laid in leaves, flower petals and in the soft parts of stalks. On the leaves [...] Rancho Los Pinos is nature's ally Don Sanchez Fresh innovates with biological control in avocados Trianum effectively controls Pythium in cucumber Predatory

• Transforming crop protection: the rise of predatory mites

  September 8, 2025

  the course of biological control in Spain. A passion for insects – and a new beginning in Almeria After studying biology in Granada with a focus on entomology [...] ahead: predatory mites in outdoor crops and global impact Today, the demand for biocontrol in fruit trees and open-field crops is growing rapidly. And once [...] filming bugs in their natural habitat. That fascination evolved into a lifelong dedication to entomology and, eventually, a pivotal role in shaping the