• How a little predatory mite laid the foundation for biocontrol today

  June 5, 2024

  He was very persistent when it came to the experiments in his cucumber crop and soon neighbour growers and others became curious about what he was doing [...] solution. One that would last for a very long time… ‘Back in the 60s, my father was a cucumber grower battling with persistent spider mite infestations when he [...] research stations in the UK and eventually Switzerland where he found what he was looking for - the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis .’ Back home, he

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

  April 16, 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 [...] launched a major campaign, and the reputation of Almeria’s growers was at stake. “ There was no other option, ” Kris says. “ We had to change. Either we start [...] explains. “ It was effective and efficient, it really saved agriculture in Almeria. ” The switch wasn’t just about replacing chemicals - it was about a mindset

• Nematodes significantly reduce Tuta larvae

  reduction of Tuta in the crop of more than 80%. The large infestation which was present was reduced and under control, and the application greatly contributed to [...] ‘After this result, we have kept spraying with nematodes every time there was a new wave of small larvae and the problem never grew big after that.’ Reduction [...] Steinernema feltiae in the spring of 2020. The results were good and there was no residue.’ Using nematodes systemically ‘We then started using nematodes

• Cottony cushion scale

  Australia. It was accidentally introduced to California in about 1868 and devastated the citrus industry there until a natural enemy from Australia was introduced [...] introduced in 1888. This was the first ever example of successful classical biological control. The cottony cushion scale has subsequently spread widely through

• Transforming crop protection: the rise of predatory mites

  July 21, 2025

  interest in biological pest control . “Koppert was the company that pioneered biocontrol in Spain. It was innovative, science and practical driven - and [...] From a young age, José Eduardo Belda (Innovation Manager Southern Europe) was captivated by insects - a passion sparked by his father, who loved filming [...] region’s intense greenhouse agriculture and a new world of crop pests. It was the perfect setting for someone eager to apply scientific curiosity to real-world

• Nematodes established solution for Nesidiocoris in France

  tomatoes, and seriously disrupts biological equilibrium. SCEA de Fontanel was one of the early Koppert France customers and still is, using many of Koppert’s [...] been practising IPM for as long as it has existed in France. We saw that it was effective. We have used Capsanem on several blocks to regulate the bug and [...] objective of many companies.’ The nematode protection method for Nesidiocoris was eagerly awaited by producers in the South of France, but also, more recently

• Even distribution of predatory insects with Natutec Drive

  Natutec Drive tool to disperse its biological pest control products. ‘It was a brilliant move,’ says Glasshouse Manager Angel Angelov. ‘When it comes to [...] has worked on strawberries farms for 17 years. ‘In the past, application was done manually and proved to be labour-intensive, time consuming, and not always

• Chula Brand is a pioneer in biological pest control in papaya

  tally friendly one. What was the most challenging at the beginning to reach the biological management we currently have, was to understand the adaptability [...] insects in open field and the preventive approach of natural enemy releases was challenging at first, they found an ally in Koppert that not only has the

• Cactus mealybug

  succulents. It was first described in England but its origin is not clear. It is now found on many greenhouse-grown succulents around the world as it was probably

• HyFood takes habanero to another level with biological control

  achieve this, the implementation of an integrated pest management program was necessary. "We started looking for alternatives and found Koppert... at the [...] factors for the successful implementation of the biological control program was the training of personnel in pest monitoring and the release of beneficial [...] monitoring supervisor, the willingness of Koppert consultants in this process was vital. "It has been a very good experience because we have acquired knowledge