pests
Thrips
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Due to their excellent natural adaptation thrips have developed to be one of the most feared and widespread pests. They cause serious damage to vegetable crops as well as ornamentals and soft fruit.

Biology
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Adult thrips are small, elongated insects with typical fringed wings. They measure about 1 mm, and have a grayish or yellow to brown colour. The two most common harmful species are the onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) and the western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis).

The female thrips deposits eggs in the leaf cuticle tissue. The eggs hatch within a few days into very mobile larvae which immediately start to feed. After the second instar larva they let themselves fall on the ground to pupate. The total development time from egg to adult takes from 20 days at 20°C (68°F) to 12 days at 30°C (86°F). At sufficiently high temperatures one female thrips can produce up to 200 descendants.

Damage
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Thrips damage the crop by withdrawing the plant cell fluids. Empty cells are filled with air, causing a silvery appearance, on which dark spots (the excrements) are visible. Moreover, there exist many more damage symptoms depending on the crop. For instance, thrips on very young cucumber fruits give deformed fruits.

In sweet pepper, they cause cosmetic damage on the fruits close to the calyx. In several ornamentals, flower damage through discoloration or deformation occurs. Only a few individual thrips are enough. Moreover, thrips are important vectors of several viruses (e.g. tomato spotted wilt virus, TSWV).

Crop: Eggplant
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Amblyseius-Breeding-System (ABS) (Predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris in sachets)

  • Introduce minimum 4.000 Amblyseius-Breeding-System/ha.  (In total minimum 1 million Amblyseius cucumeris/ha)
  • Starting from the first bloom.
  • Warning:
    Amblyseius-Breeding-System (ABS), which contains the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris delivered in breeding sachets, also contains Mold mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) and bran. Under certain circumstances such as a moist greenhouse climate or when using large quantities of breeding sachets, Mold mite population can increase to the point of causing damages in some crops (e.g. cucumbers). When planning to use these products in crops where they have never been used before, we recommend to first perform a small-scale trial or to discuss this with your Biobest advisor or supplier.

 

Amblyseius-System (Predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris in a 5L bucket)

  • Amblyseius cucumeris can be introduced before the bloom as breeding material on the pot.
  • Disperse on each pot minimum 2,5 cc. Introduce minimum 750.000 Amblyseius/ha.
  • If necessary, repeat after 4 weeks if there is still no bloom.
  • Warning:
    Amblyseius-Breeding-System (ABS), which contains the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris delivered in breeding sachets, also contains Mold mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) and bran. Under certain circumstances such as a moist greenhouse climate or when using large quantities of breeding sachets, Mold mite population can increase to the point of causing damages in some crops (e.g. cucumbers). When planning to use these products in crops where they have never been used before, we recommend to first perform a small-scale trial or to discuss this with your Biobest advisor or supplier.

 

Amblyseius-System (predatory mite - Amblyseius cucumeris 1L - sprinkler tube)

  • If no breeding material is used, Amblyseius cucumeris can be introduced as sprinkling material. (50.000 Amblyseius cucumeris per liter)
  • Introduce minimum 2 x 500.000 Amblyseius/ha on the crop, with an interval of 1 to 2 weeks.
  • Apply only when there is sufficient bloom and a sufficient high relative humidity.
  • Warning:
    Amblyseius-Breeding-System (ABS), which contains the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris delivered in breeding sachets, also contains Mold mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) and bran. Under certain circumstances such as a moist greenhouse climate or when using large quantities of breeding sachets, Mold mite population can increase to the point of causing damages in some crops (e.g. cucumbers). When planning to use these products in crops where they have never been used before, we recommend to first perform a small-scale trial or to discuss this with your Biobest advisor or supplier.
  • Preferably in combination with Amblyseius cucumeris and Orius.
  • Introduce minimum 2.500 Degenerans-System/ha. You can only introduce where there is sufficient bloom present.
  • Remark: Per bottle maximum 100 introductions points.
  • Preventive: Introduce Orius from week 6 to 8. For late planting: from the first bloom.
  • Curative: Before week 6! Introduce Orius from the moment that thrips (larvae or adult) is observed in the crop.
  • Release in 4 introductions minimum 1 Orius/m².
  • When the thrips infestation increases: introduce Orius in and around the thrips hot spots. (minimum 5-10 Orius/m²)
  • Remark: Per packaging maximum 5-10 introduction points.
Crop: Poinsettia
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  • The sensitivity to thrips depends on the species.
  • Hang yellow and blue sticky traps to detect the thrips.
  • If thrips larvae are detected on the crop, introduce at least 100 Amblyseius cucumeris/m². It is important to repeat this a few times.
  • Warning:
    Amblyseius-Breeding-System (ABS), which contains the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris delivered in breeding sachets, also contains Mold mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) and bran. Under certain circumstances such as a moist greenhouse climate or when using large quantities of breeding sachets, Mold mite population can increase to the point of causing damages in some crops (e.g. cucumbers). When planning to use these products in crops where they have never been used before, we recommend to first perform a small-scale trial or to discuss this with your Biobest advisor or supplier.
Crop: Anthurium
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  • Introduce 2.500 sachets/ha (in total minimum 500.000 Amblyseius cucumeris/ha). Repeat this every 4 weeks depending on the infestation.
  • Introduce in hot spots 1 sachet/2 m² or disperse weekly 100 Amblyseius cucumeris/m².
  • Remark: Pay attention to the occurrence of Echinothrips (black thrips with white line). The predatory mites control insufficiently this thrips species.
  • Warning:
    Amblyseius-Breeding-System (ABS), which contains the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris delivered in breeding sachets, also contains Mold mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) and bran. Under certain circumstances such as a moist greenhouse climate or when using large quantities of breeding sachets, Mold mite population can increase to the point of causing damages in some crops (e.g. cucumbers). When planning to use these products in crops where they have never been used before, we recommend to first perform a small-scale trial or to discuss this with your Biobest advisor or supplier.

Introduce shortly after planting preventively minimum 100 Hypoaspis/m² to control the larval and pupal stage of thrips.

Crop: Chrysant
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  • Before or just after the plantation disperse 100-250 Hypoaspis/m².
  • Do not introduce immediately after the disinfection or steaming (not enough nourishment).
  • Eventually treat rows next to the gangway.

Introduce minimum 2.500 predatory bugs/ha.

Spray Steinernema-System with an interval of 5 to 7 days, small infestations: 125.000 nematodes/m², serious infestations: 250.000 nematodes/m².

Crop: Cucumber
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Amblyseius-Breeding-System (ABS) (Predatory mite - Amblyseius cucumeris in breeding sachets)

  • Introduce before the plant reaches the suspension wire (± 3 weeks after the plantation or sooner)
  • Introduce minimum 4.000 sachets/ha (in total minimum 1 million Amblyseius cucumeris/ha)
  • 1st cultivation : Introduce minimum 1 sachet per 5 plants when no thrips are detected in the crop. When thrips are detected in the crop, introduce minimum 1 sachet per 3 plants.
  • 2nd and 3rd cultivation: Introduce minimum 1 sachet per 3 plants.
  • Remarks:
    • Disperse in and around thrips hot spots extra Amblyseius cucumeris as sprinkling material.
    • The crop must be 100% free of harmful residues. If you have doubt about the side effects of chemical products, contact you advisor.
  • Warning:
    Amblyseius-Breeding-System (ABS), which contains the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris delivered in breeding sachets, also contains Mold mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) and bran. Under certain circumstances such as a moist greenhouse climate or when using large quantities of breeding sachets, Mold mite population can increase to the point of causing damages in some crops (e.g. cucumbers). When planning to use these products in crops where they have never been used before, we recommend to first perform a small-scale trial or to discuss this with your Biobest advisor or supplier.

 

Amblyseius-System (Predatory mite - Amblyseius cucumeris in 1 L bucket - sprinkler tube)

  • If ABS is not used, Amblyseius cucumeris can be introduced as sprinkling material (50.000 Amblyseius cucumeris per liter).
  • Introduce minimum 2 x 500.000 Amblyseius/ha on the crop, with an interval of 1 to 2 weeks.
  • Warning:
    Amblyseius-Breeding-System (ABS), which contains the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris delivered in breeding sachets, also contains Mold mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) and bran. Under certain circumstances such as a moist greenhouse climate or when using large quantities of breeding sachets, Mold mite population can increase to the point of causing damages in some crops (e.g. cucumbers). When planning to use these products in crops where they have never been used before, we recommend to first perform a small-scale trial or to discuss this with your Biobest advisor or supplier.

 

Amblyseius-Breeding-System (ABS) (Predatory mite - Amblyseius cucumeris in 5 L - sprinkler tube)

  • Amblyseius cucumeris can be introduced as breeding material on the pot.
  • Disperse on each pot minimum 2,5 cc. Introduce minimum 750.000 Amblyseius/ha.
  • Warning:
    Amblyseius-Breeding-System (ABS), which contains the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris delivered in breeding sachets, also contains Mold mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) and bran. Under certain circumstances such as a moist greenhouse climate or when using large quantities of breeding sachets, Mold mite population can increase to the point of causing damages in some crops (e.g. cucumbers). When planning to use these products in crops where they have never been used before, we recommend to first perform a small-scale trial or to discuss this with your Biobest advisor or supplier.
  • When thrips damage increases: introduce Orius in and around the thrips hot spots. (minimum 10-25 Orius/m²)
  • Remark: Per packaging maximum 5-10 introduction points.
Crop: Gerbera
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  • Introduce 2.500 sachets/ha (in total minimum 500.000 Amblyseius cucumeris/ha). Repeat this every 4 weeks depending on the infestation.
  • Introduce in hot spots 1 sachet/2 m² or disperse weekly minimum 100 Amblyseius cucumeris/m².
  • Warning:
    Amblyseius-Breeding-System (ABS), which contains the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris delivered in breeding sachets, also contains Mold mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) and bran. Under certain circumstances such as a moist greenhouse climate or when using large quantities of breeding sachets, Mold mite population can increase to the point of causing damages in some crops (e.g. cucumbers). When planning to use these products in crops where they have never been used before, we recommend to first perform a small-scale trial or to discuss this with your Biobest advisor or supplier.
  • Introduce preventive minimum 100 Hypoaspis/m² to control the larval and pupal stage of the thrips.
Crop: Grape
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Amblyseius-Breeding-System (A.B.S) (predatory mite - Amblyseius cucumeris in sachets)

  • Introduce minimum 5.000 sachets/ha (in total minimum 1 million Amblyseius cucumeris/ha).
  • Start at the first bloom.
  • Repeat after 6-8 weeks in sonsultation with your advisor.
  • Warning:
    Amblyseius-Breeding-System (ABS), which contains the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris delivered in breeding sachets, also contains Mold mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) and bran. Under certain circumstances such as a moist greenhouse climate or when using large quantities of breeding sachets, Mold mite population can increase to the point of causing damages in some crops (e.g. cucumbers). When planning to use these products in crops where they have never been used before, we recommend to first perform a small-scale trial or to discuss this with your Biobest advisor or supplier.

 

Amblyseius-System (predatory mite - Amblyseius cucumeris in 1L sprinkler)

  • If no ABS is used, Amblyseius cucumeris can be introduced as sprinkling material (25.000 Amblyseius cucumeris per liter). Apply only when there is sufficient bloom.
  • Introduce minimum 2 x 500.000 Amblyseius/ha on the crop interval of 1 to 2 weeks.
  • Warning:
    Amblyseius-Breeding-System (ABS), which contains the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris delivered in breeding sachets, also contains Mold mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) and bran. Under certain circumstances such as a moist greenhouse climate or when using large quantities of breeding sachets, Mold mite population can increase to the point of causing damages in some crops (e.g. cucumbers). When planning to use these products in crops where they have never been used before, we recommend to first perform a small-scale trial or to discuss this with your Biobest advisor or supplier.
  • Introduce Orius starting from the first bloom, minimum 2 x 0,5 Orius/m², with an interval of 1 to 2 weeks (in total 1 Orius/m²).
  • In cases of severe thrips damage: introduce minimum 5 to 10 Orius/m² in and around thrips hot spots.
Crop: Haricot bean
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Amblyseius-Breeding-System (A.B.S.) (predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris in breeding sachets)

  • Introduce minimum 4.000 sachets/ha (in total minimum 1 million Amblyseius cucumeris/ha).
  • Starting: at first bloom (but it is possible to start earlier).
  • Warning
    Amblyseius-Breeding-System (ABS), which contains the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris delivered in breeding sachets, also contains Mold mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) and bran. Under certain circumstances such as a moist greenhouse climate or when using large quantities of breeding sachets, Mold mite population can increase to the point of causing damages in some crops (e.g. cucumbers). When planning to use these products in crops where they have never been used before, we recommend to first perform a small-scale trial or to discuss this with your Biobest advisor or supplier.
  • Preventive: Introduce Orius at first bloom.
  • Curative: Introduce Orius as from the moment that thrips (larvae or adults) are detected in the crop.
  • Introduce in 2 introductions minimum 1 Orius/m².
  • At inccreasing thrips infestation: introduce Orius in and around the thrips hot spots. (minimum 5-10 Orius/m²).
  • Remark:
    • Per packaging maximum 5-10 introduction points.
    • Orius is useful if the cultivation period is long.
Crop: Melon
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  • Introduce before the plant reaches the suspension wire (± 3 weeks after planting or sooner).
  • Introduce minimum 4.000 sachets/ha (in total minimum 1 million Amblyseius cucumeris/ha).
  • 1st cultivation: Introduce minimum 1 sachet per 5 plants when no thrips are detected in the crop. When thrips are detected in the crop, introduce minimum 1 sachet per 3 plants.
  • 2nd and 3rd cultivation: Introduce minimum 1 sachet per 3 plants.
  • Remarks:
    • Disperse in and around thrips hot spots extra Amblyseius cucumeris as sprinkling material.
    • The crop must be 100% free of harmful residues. If you doubt about the side effects of chemical products, contact your advisor.
  • Warning:
    Amblyseius-Breeding-System (ABS), which contains the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris delivered in breeding sachets, also contains Mold mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) and bran. Under certain circumstances such as a moist greenhouse climate or when using large quantities of breeding sachets, Mold mite population can increase to the point of causing damages in some crops (e.g. cucumbers). When planning to use these products in crops where they have never been used before, we recommend to first perform a small-scale trial or to discuss this with your Biobest advisor or supplier.

 

  • Preventive: start at the first bloom. Introduce minimum 1 Orius/m² divided in 2 introductions.
  • Orius can be useful if max. 2 cultivations occur per year.
  • At thrips detection early in the second cultivation: minimum 1 Orius/m² over the whole greenhouse.
Crop: Rose
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Amblyseius-Breeding-System (A.B.S.) (predatory mite - Amblyseius cucumeris in sachets)

  • Introduce 500 sachets (in total minimum 1 million Amblyseius cucumeris/ha). Repeat this in winter every 6 weeks and every 4 weeks during the rest of the year.
  • Warning:
    Amblyseius-Breeding-System (ABS), which contains the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris delivered in breeding sachets, also contains Mold mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) and bran. Under certain circumstances such as a moist greenhouse climate or when using large quantities of breeding sachets, Mold mite population can increase to the point of causing damages in some crops (e.g. cucumbers). When planning to use these products in crops where they have never been used before, we recommend to first perform a small-scale trial or to discuss this with your Biobest advisor or supplier.

Amblyseius-System (predatory mite - Amblyseius cucumeris in 1L-Sprinkler tube) 

  • Disperse 250 Amblyseius cucumeris/m²/week or every 2 weeks in thrips hot spots.
  • Warning:
    Amblyseius-Breeding-System (ABS), which contains the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris delivered in breeding sachets, also contains Mold mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) and bran. Under certain circumstances such as a moist greenhouse climate or when using large quantities of breeding sachets, Mold mite population can increase to the point of causing damages in some crops (e.g. cucumbers). When planning to use these products in crops where they have never been used before, we recommend to first perform a small-scale trial or to discuss this with your Biobest advisor or supplier.

 

  • Introduce in spring 250 Hypoaspis miles/m² to control the thrips pupae.
  • Remark:
    • Do not leave open flowers in the greenhouse, as thrips larvae can develop very quickly in them.
    • Throw away old flowers in a closed container.
Crop: Strawberry
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Amblyseius-Breeding-System

  • Hang blue sticky traps for the detection of thrips (min. 1 sticky trap/100 m²).
  • Introduce 1 sachet per 2 m². Repeat regularly (depending on the thrips pressure and the countings on the sticky traps) i.e. every 6 weeks or every 4 weeks. It also depends on the cultivation system (number of plants/m²).
  • Warning:
    Amblyseius-Breeding-System (ABS), which contains the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris delivered in breeding sachets, also contains Mold mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) and bran. Under certain circumstances such as  a moist greenhouse climate or when using large quantities  of breeding sachets, Mold mite population can increase to the point of causing damages in some crops (e.g. cucumbers). When planning to use these products in crops  where they have never been used before, we recommend to first perform a small-scale trial or to discuss this with your Biobest advisor or supplier.

Amblyseius-System

  • Disperse 100 Amblyseius cucumeris /m²/week  in thrips hot spots or on spots which are sensitive to thrips. When no ABS-sachets are used than disperse 250 predatory mites/m²/week.
  • Warning:
    Amblyseius-Breeding-System (ABS), which contains the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris delivered in breeding sachets, also contains Mold mites  (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) and bran. Under certain circumstances such as  a moist  greenhouse climate or when using large quantities of breeding sachets, Mold mite population can increase to the point of causing damage in some crops (e.g. cucumbers). When planning to use these products in crops where they have never been used before, we recommended to first perform a small-scale trial or to discuss this with your Biobest advisor or supplier.
  • Disperse locally Orius species in hot spots to control thrips quikly.
Crop: Sweet pepper
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Amblyseius-Breeding-System (A.B.S.) (predatory mite - Amblyseius cucumeris in breeding sachets)

  • During the heating of the greenhouse hang minimum 20 yellow and/or blue sticky traps per ha to detect the first adult thrips.
  • Introduce minimum 4.000 sachets/ha (in total minimum 1 million Amblyseius cucumeris/ha).
  • Start at the beginning of the flowering period (an earlier introduction is also possible).
  • Warning:
    Amblyseius-Breeding-System (ABS), which contains the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris delivered in breeding sachets, also contains Mold mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) and bran. Under certain circumstances such as a moist greenhouse climate or when using large quantities of breeding sachets, Mold mite population can increase to the point of causing damages in some crops (e.g. cucumbers). When planning to use these products in crops where they have never been used before, we recommend to first perform a small-scale trial or to discuss this with your Biobest advisor or supplier.

 

Amblyseius-System (predatory mite - Amblyseius cucumeris in 5L buckets)

  • Amblyseius cucumeris can be introduced before the flowering period as cultivation material on the pot.
  • Disperse on each pot minimum 2,5 cc. Introduce minimum 750.000 Amblyseius/ha.
  • If necessary repeat after 4 weeks if there is still no flower in the crop.
  • Warning:
    Amblyseius-Breeding-System (ABS), which contains the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris delivered in breeding sachets, also contains Mold mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) and bran. Under certain circumstances such as a moist greenhouse climate or when using large quantities of breeding sachets, Mold mite population can increase to the point of causing damages in some crops (e.g. cucumbers). When planning to use these products in crops where they have never been used before, we recommend to first perform a small-scale trial or to discuss this with your Biobest advisor or supplier.
     

Amblyseius-System (predatory mite - Amblyseius cucumeris in 1 L-sprinkler tube)

  • If ABS is not used, Amblyseius cucumeris can be introduced as sprinkling material (50.000 Amblyseius cucumeris per liter).
  • Introduce minimum 2 x 500.000 Amblyseius/ha on the crop, with an interval of 1 to 2 weeks.
  • Apply only if there is sufficient flowering and a high relative humidity.
  • Preferably in combination with Amblyseius cucumeris and Orius.
  • Introduce minimum 2.500 Amblyseius degenerans/ha. The first introduction can only occur when there is sufficient flowering.
  • Remark: Per bottle maximum 100 introduction points.
  • Preventive: Introduce Orius as from week 6 to 8, or at later plantings from the first flowering.
  • Curative: Introduce Orius as from the moment that thrips (larvae or adults) in the crop are detected.
  • Introduce in 4 introductions minimum 1 Orius/m².
  • When the thrips damage increases: introduce Orius in and around the thrips hot spots. (minimum 5-10 Orius/m²).
  • Remark: Per packing maximum 5-10 introduction points.
Crop: Tree nurseries
More info

Amblyseius-System (A.B.S) (predatory mite - Amblyseius cucumeris in sachets)

  • Hang yellow and/or blue sticky traps for the detection of thrips (min. 1 sticky trap/100 m²).
  • Introduce 1 sachet/m². Repeat regularly (depending on the thrips pressure and the countings on the sticky traps) e.g. every 6 weeks or every 4 weeks.
  • Warning:
    Amblyseius-Breeding-System (ABS), which contains the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris delivered in breeding sachets, also contains Mold mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) and bran. Under certain circumstances such as a moist greenhouse climate or when using large quantities of breeding sachets, Mold mite population can increase to the point of causing damages in some crops (e.g. cucumbers). When planning to use these products in crops where they have never been used before, we recommend to first perform a small-scale trial or to discuss this with your Biobest advisor or supplier.

 

Amblyseius-System (predatory mite - Amblyseius cucumeris)

  • Disperse 100 Amblyseius cucumeris/m²/week in thrips hot spots or on places which are sensitive to thrips. When no ABS-sachets are used, introduce then 250 predatory mites/m²/week.
  • Warning:
    Amblyseius-Breeding-System (ABS), which contains the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris delivered in breeding sachets, also contains Mold mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) and bran. Under certain circumstances such as a moist greenhouse climate or when using large quantities of breeding sachets, Mold mite population can increase to the point of causing damages in some crops (e.g. cucumbers). When planning to use these products in crops where they have never been used before, we recommend to first perform a small-scale trial or to discuss this with your Biobest advisor or supplier.
     
  • After planting introduce preventive minimum 100 Hypoaspis/m² to control the larval and pupal stages of thrips.
  • Disperse Orius species in hot spots to control thrips.
pests
Contact Biobest
Biobest Belgium N.V.
Ilse Velden 18
2260 Westerlo
BE - Belgium
T: +32 14 257 980
F: +32 14 257 982