Starskii - 25000 Individuals - Tube

Starskii is a highly effective biological control agent that contains the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii, one of the most widely used and versatile predators in commercial greenhouse pest management. Known for its rapid breeding and adaptability, Starskii excels in controlling several major pests, including whiteflies and thrips, making it a cornerstone of any preventative integrated pest management (IPM) strategy.

Its ability to establish quickly in warm, humid conditions—combined with its flexibility to survive on pollen in the absence of prey—makes Starskii an ideal solution for maintaining consistent biological pressure throughout the crop cycle. From vegetables to ornamentals, Starskii ensures dependable defense when pests are most likely to take hold.

How Starskii Works

Effective Pest Targeting

Starskii predatory mites actively feed on early pest life stages, delivering targeted suppression where it’s most effective:

• Thrips larvae (L1 stage)

• Whitefly eggs

• Whitefly L1 stage (young larvae)

It is particularly valuable because it targets pest development before population surges occur. While it does not attack adult pests, it plays a critical role in early intervention—reducing overall pest pressure before reproduction begins.

Preventive Strategy for Warm Crops

Ideal for crops such as:

• Peppers

• Cucumbers

• Gerbera

• Eggplant

Starskii performs best in warm environments where average daytime temperatures are above 68°F (20°C). While higher temperatures further enhance mite performance, Amblyseius swirskii is also resilient in semi-protected and outdoor crops where night temperatures may be cooler.

On pollen-rich crops like peppers, establishment is especially fast due to pollen serving as an additional, high-quality food source.

Flexible Feeding & Survivability

When pest levels are low or absent, Starskii survives by feeding on pollen, which allows it to remain active and ready for pest outbreaks. This adaptability makes it particularly well-suited for:

• Preventive applications

• Continuous release programs

• Pollen-producing crops

Even in crops without natural pollen, Starskii populations can be maintained effectively through sachet-based release systems that supply a steady stream of new mites over several weeks.

Available Delivery Systems

Starskii is offered in multiple formats to accommodate a wide range of crops, environmental conditions, and operational scales:

Controlled Release System (CRS) Sachets

• Original large sachet design

• Provides a stable breeding environment for continual mite emergence

• Trusted and widely used for general crop application

Mini Sachets

• Smaller size for more release points

• Ideal for plants with less foliage contact

• Promotes even mite distribution

Gemini Sachets

• Patented water-resistant dual-compartment design

• Built for overhead irrigation systems

• Keeps mites dry and protected until emergence

• Suitable for horizontal structures like wire or string

Sachets on a Stick

• Tailored for propagation and early pest control

• Water-resistant and space-efficient

• Compatible with all plug tray sizes

• Ideal for early application at sticking or seeding

Bugline

• 6 x 100m strip system designed for labor efficiency

• Can be machine-applied over crops or mesh support systems

• Saves up to eight labor hours per acre compared to standard sachets

• Optimized for cut flower production, especially chrysanthemums

• Reliable under overhead irrigation

Loose Material

• Bulk Bags: 5qt (5L) containing 125,000 mites

• Cardboard Tubes: 1qt (1L) containing 25,000 mites

• Suitable for fast population establishment or hotspot treatments

Main Uses

Starskii is primarily used to target:

• Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis)

• Onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci)

• Chili Thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis)

• Greenhouse Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum)

• Silverleaf/Potato Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)

These pests can cause significant crop damage and are often resistant to traditional pesticides, making Starskii a key tool for sustainable management.

Final Words

Starskii is best applied early in the crop cycle, before pests become established. In warm conditions, its rapid reproduction allows it to quickly build populations that keep pest outbreaks under control. For crops that do not produce pollen, sachet releases ensure sustained population development, making Starskii an adaptable solution across various systems.

Whether you're growing fruiting vegetables, ornamental flowers, or specialty greenhouse crops, Starskii provides long-term, pesticide-free protection that aligns with organic and sustainable growing practices.