• Transforming crop protection: the rise of predatory mites

  July 21, 2025

  dedication to entomology and, eventually, a pivotal role in shaping the course of biological control in Spain. A passion for insects – and a new beginning in Almeria [...] It all started with a stick, a spider nest, and a curious boy exploring the Andalusian countryside. From a young age, José Eduardo Belda (Innovation Manager [...] science and practical driven - and I knew I wanted to be part of that.” The Swirskii breakthrough that changed everything One of his earliest and most impactful

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

  September 30, 2024

  predatory mite can also be introduced in a variety of circumstances. Think of factors such as humidity, day length and temperature range that play a role in [...] whether a biocontrol agent is effective to a larger or lesser degree. We conduct a great deal of research into this mite’s use under all kinds of circumstances [...] power of Swirski-Mite actually is. ‘The predatory mite is extremely effective and resistant to high temperatures. It makes short work of thrips and whitefly

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

  safe and effective way. Chula Brand is a company with more than 20 years of experience in the production and distribution of papaya and other tropical fruits [...] Brand and Koppert: a successful collaboration To reduce the burden of acaricides and other chemical pesticides, and consequently produce safer and better [...] its mission as a producer company, to improve and care for the health of the crop, its workers and the final consumer, who now can enjoy a product that is

• Amazone Plants continues the path of organic cultivation

  insect netting at a good rate over a longer period. This means that there is always a strong population in the greenhouse crop and control of the thrips is [...] sufficiently effective against these pests. The company therefore sprays a product of natural origin, such as Mycotal , twice a year, in the spring and in the [...] in 2020. A remarkable move ‘Well, we had ten good weeks, Fred and I said to each other when the coronavirus crisis erupted and exports came to a standstill

• The Ultimate Guide to Fungus Gnats (Sciarid Fly) and Shore Fly Control

  July 4, 2024

  Fungus Gnat and Shore Fly. Both the adult beetles and larvae actively search for and feed on eggs, young larvae, and pupae. They are mobile and can distribute [...] remains of a type of hard-shelled microalgae that is occasionally used on a small scale grow for Fungus Gnat and Shore fly control. The sharp edges of DE cut [...] out and increases available food sources such as molds and fungi in the medium. Note: Larvae inhabit the top 2-3 inches of growing medium and can be found

• Stick it to Pests: The Power of Mass Trapping

  May 17, 2024

  time and minimizes the need for traditional chemical insecticides. For example, consider the case of thrips . A single thrips can lay hundreds of eggs [...] Horiver sticky cards and roller traps are capable of, let's delve into the number of cards and traps needed to mass capture pests, and what the difference [...] sticky cards and roller traps is a highly effective method for pest control in grow rooms and greenhouses. This approach reduces pest populations and minimizes

• Municipality Venray: biological control of oak processionary caterpillars

  Municipality of Venray a third of the tree stock in the area, some 11,000 trees, is oak. ‘We’ve been using Koppert’s nematode product Entonem as a curative [...] outlying areas where there might be protected species of butterfly and moth. The major benefit of Entonem is that nematodes kill fewer other caterpillars [...] ’ explains Joep van Bergeijk, coordinator of oak processionary caterpillar management for the Municipality of Venray. ‘We use nematodes at locations in

• Enhancing the efficiency of biocontrol applications with Natutec Airobreez

  applications both fast and effective," Tim continues. "Its coverage across the greenhouse is exceptional, ensuring optimal distribution of the biocontrol products [...] noted the improved reach and effectiveness: "With its gentle airflow, the Airobreez safely disperses natural enemies over crops, and with over 98% reaching [...] Netherlands. "Our greenhouse layout and equipment make using larger application devices for biocontrol challenging, so finding a compact solution with extensive

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

  April 16, 2025

  proved to be a game-changer. “ It worked against both thrips and whitefly - two of our biggest problems, ” he explains. “ It was effective and efficient, [...] quickly, they’re cost-effective, and there’s a wide variety of species - each with its own pest target. And there are still many more to discover, ” he [...] nature, and determination come together. Predatory mites have become more than just a tool - they’re a symbol of what sustainable agriculture can achieve

• Tree specialist Wolterinck: Control of oak processionary caterpillar with Entonem

  Netherlands, is a specialist in tree care and weed control and works on behalf of local authorities and governmental bodies. Co-owner and general director [...] ten days in and if the trees have at least 30% of their leaf cover, Bacillus thuringiensis can also have a good combatting effect.’ Staunch advocate Wolterinck [...] to emerge. A second spraying may be needed, either of nematodes or of nematodes plus Bacillus thuringiensis -based products. ‘That is effective around ten