The Netherlands
March 5, 2013

Aproximately three weeks after Macrolophus (Mirical) has been applied, the first small nymphs will be visible at the release locations. From the moment that Macrolophus has been applied, it is advisable to use Entofood to supplement feeding and to continue to use it on a weekly basis until there are enough pests in the crops to serve as a food source.

Macrolophus pygmaeus is a powerful beneficial, combating whitefly effectively, but it is relatively slow to establish a large population. This can lead to difficult situations. Population increase can be supported by feeding the predatory mites using a Mini-Airbug.

Whitefly can appear as soon as the days start getting warm in spring. By this time the predatory mites must be present and capable of feeding themselves on whitefly as well as on spider mites and moth eggs.

Success factors

• Experiences in recent years have shown that blowers are the best method of application. The Mini-Airbug should be aimed above the heads of the crop, so that the eggs land on many different leaves at the same time.
• It is also important that fewer leaves be cut. Three or four extra leaves should be left on the plants in the release paths so that the Macrolophus eggs have more time to hatch.
• And finally, always apply the food source to the crop first and only then scatter the predatory mites. If you do it the other way around, the bugs will have flown away before they can benefit from the extra food.

It has been shown that the presence of whitefly, leaf miners, and aphids has a positive effect on Macrolophus population growth. Keep this in mind when deciding on how to combat these pests.

Website: http://www.koppert.com

Published: March 7, 2013