Natural Enemies

Aphidend operates as a sophisticated biological pest control method, leveraging the natural behavior of gall midges to combat aphid infestations effectively. The process begins with aphid colonies emitting a distinct smell of honeydew, which acts as a potent attractant for adult gall midges. 

These gall midges are naturally drawn to the aphid colonies and proceed to deposit their eggs within these clusters. This strategic placement ensures that the newly hatched larvae have immediate access to a readily available food source in the form of aphids.

Once the larvae hatch, they begin their predatory behavior by paralyzing the aphids before consuming them. This methodical approach not only controls the current aphid population but also disrupts their reproductive cycle, ultimately leading to a significant reduction in aphid numbers. 

By utilizing the natural predatory instincts of gall midges, Aphidend provides an efficient and environmentally friendly solution for managing aphid infestations in various crops.

Our Aphidius colemani vials and bottles are designed for efficient aphid control in crops. Release the parasitic wasps weekly at low rates as aphids start to appear in your crop. Should aphid colonies become established, consider localized hotspot treatments or intervention at the economic threshold. 

In cases where aphids are suspected of transmitting viruses or when populations are high, it's advisable to use a compatible chemical control before releasing Aphidius colemani. Remember not to spray between the release of adults and mummy formation for optimal effectiveness.

Aphipar-M employs a unique and natural method to control aphid populations. Adult female parasitic wasps are the key agents in this process. These wasps lay their eggs parasitically inside the aphids. As the eggs develop, the aphids swell and eventually harden into leathery, grey/brown mummies.

After about 10-14 days, the first adult parasitic wasps emerge from these mummies through a round hole at the rear. This cycle continues, with the newly emerged wasps seeking out and parasitizing more aphids, thus helping to control the aphid population in an environmentally friendly manner.

Our product is a specially formulated solution designed to effectively control flies in greenhouse environments. The easy-to-use tube packaging ensures convenient application. Before use, simply rotate the tube to mix the contents thoroughly. To open, push the marked cut-out on the lid and rotate the cover to the fully open position.

Shake the contents gently onto potting media, capillary matting, and areas with algal growth where flies are suspected to be breeding. For optimal results, monitor performance using fresh yellow sticky traps at weekly intervals. Trap catches are expected to decline over 2-6 weeks post-treatment.

Please note that our product should not be used with soil-incorporated insecticides without confirming safety. It is suitable for all greenhouse plants.

To use, rotate the tube to mix the contents, then open it by pushing the marked cut-out on the lid. Shake the contents onto potting media, capillary matting, and areas with algal growth where flies may breed. Monitor with fresh yellow sticky traps weekly. Not for use with soil-incorporated insecticides. Suitable for all greenhouse plants.

For optimal application of the product, follow these guidelines:

• Timing: Apply early morning or late evening to reduce the impact of heat and sunlight. Artificial lights that may cause plant surfaces to dry too quickly should be turned off.
• Soil Moisture: Ensure the soil surface is moist at the time of application.
• Direct Soil Application: If applying directly to the soil, use at least 4 litres/m² of water.
• Foliar Drench Application: For drench applications over foliage, use lower volumes of water. Irrigate within 30 minutes of treatment with at least 1 litre/m² to wash nematodes off the leaves and below the soil surface.
• Soil Moisture Maintenance: To achieve the best results, maintain soil moisture for 3-4 weeks after application.
• Application of Spray Solution: Apply the entire spray solution once mixed. Do not store it for longer than 4 hours.
• Filter Removal: Remove all fine filters in the tubing and at the nozzles. Use nozzles with a diameter of at least 0.8 mm.
• Nematode Solution Agitation: Keep the nematode solution agitated continuously. Alternatively, add carboxymethyl cellulose (wallpaper paste) at a concentration of 0.4% w/v to prevent nematodes from settling. The mixture should still be used within 4 hours.
• Pump Pressure: Do not exceed a pump pressure of 20 bar/300psi. For Dosatron, the pressure should not exceed 6 bar/100psi.

Natural Enemies is dedicated to creating sustainable cultivation solutions for both food crops and ornamental plants. By collaborating closely with growers and harnessing the power of natural processes, we strive to improve the health, safety, productivity, and resilience of agriculture and horticulture.

Cryptobug is ideal for controlling various mealybug species at all stages of their life cycle. The predatory beetles and larvae in Cryptobug consume mealybugs entirely, offering an effective biological control solution.

Cryptobug-L is a powerful biological solution tailored for the control of various mealybug species in all stages, along with the Asian citrus psyllid. This product's efficacy lies in its predatory beetles and larvae, which consume the mealybugs entirely, offering a natural and effective method for pest management.

Enermix is an effective solution designed for the biological control of greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) and tobacco whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) at their second to fourth larval stages. It is recommended to use Enermix both preventively and at the first signs of the pest's presence, ensuring optimal results in managing whitefly infestations.

Stratiolaelaps scimitus, formerly known as Hypoaspis miles, is a versatile mite that lives in the soil and feeds on various pests, including fungus gnat larvae, pupating thrips, pathogenic nematodes, immature root aphids, and small insects in your substrate. Using these mites preventatively can help protect your plants against many common pests that feed on roots or have a life stage in the soil. They can also be released onto floors, corners of rooms, and in greenhouses.

Nematodes are microscopic organisms that can help control pests in soil. Their activity is highly dependent on soil temperature, with the optimal range for nematode activity being between 57ºF and 85ºF. While nematodes can remain active at temperatures below 57ºF, the bacteria they rely on for effectiveness do not function well until temperatures rise above this threshold.

High temperatures above 86ºF can be detrimental to one specific type of nematode, S. feltiae. It's recommended to apply nematodes at intervals of 7-14 days. Additionally, the pH of the growing media should fall between 3 and 8, and it should be kept moist both before and after application for best results.

To maximize hatch rates, avoid keeping the container closed while waiting for mummies to hatch. Release Ervipar weekly at low rates as aphids appear. For established aphid colonies, consider localized hotspot treatments or use a compatible insecticide at the economic threshold. If aphids may transmit a virus or if populations are high, use a compatible chemical before releasing Ervipar. Avoid spraying between the release of adults and mummy formation.

Hanging baskets offer a convenient and effective method for applying biological products, particularly in situations where precise application near a hotspot is required. This is especially relevant for the release of parasitic wasps and other biological control agents that are not available in sachets.

 By using hanging baskets, growers can target specific areas within their crop where pest populations are concentrated or where pest pressure is particularly high.

Horiver Discs are designed to trap root aphids and fungus gnats, using a simple yet effective method. Insect pests are drawn to the yellow color of the sticky trap and become trapped in the glue, providing a targeted solution for pest control.

Our case of trapping and monitoring cards contains a total of 240 cards, conveniently packaged in 24 packs of 10 cards each. You have the option to purchase these cards either by the pack, which contains 10 cards or by the case, which includes 24 packs of 10 cards.

Each card measures 9.84 inches in length and 3.94 inches in width, providing ample space for effective trapping and monitoring of pests in your environment.

Isarid is a highly effective solution for pest control, working on a biological level to combat insect infestations. When the spores of Isarid come into contact with the insect pest, they attach to the body and start growing rapidly. The spore germ tube then penetrates the host's cuticle, leading to fungal multiplication through the formation of hyphal bodies within the host.

The NOFLY™ microbe within the Isarid plays a crucial role in this process, mechanically disrupting the host's internal organs and triggering tissue necrosis. This disruption ultimately results in the pest's inability to feed, leading to inactivity and, eventually, death. Isarid's unique mode of action makes it an invaluable tool for integrated pest management strategies in various crops and plants.

This comprehensive guide, first published 25 years ago and revised in 2003, offers valuable insights into the interaction between pests, diseases, and their natural enemies. With 443 pages, 700 photographs, and dozens of illustrations, it provides detailed information on pest and disease identification, spread, damage, and behavioral traits.

Our product is compatible with various pesticides and adjuvants (wetting agents) but should not be mixed with them unless compatibility has been confirmed. To ensure compatibility, consult your supplier. If compatibility is uncertain, it is advisable to avoid application one week before and two weeks after applying pesticides.

Additionally, our product should not be mixed with fertilizers. However, fertilization directly before or after application will not pose any issues.

Microflora SA is specifically designed to enhance the soil quality for food crops and ornamental plants. This liquid formulation contains a consortium of natural rhizobacteria aimed at improving plant growth by increasing the availability of nutrients through the root system. 

It is well-suited for use in various agricultural settings, including agriculture, greenhouses, nurseries, and hydroponic systems, for adult plants, cuttings, seedlings, and transplantation.

Natupol Excel Start-Up is ideal for pollinating indoor crops like round and plum tomatoes. Each package includes one hive with a colony of bumblebees, including a queen, 100-125 workers, brood, and sugar water. It is recommended for crops grown on surfaces larger than 2000 m² with approximately 25-35 flowers per m² per week.

The worker bumblebees begin pollinating the crop upon release, with additional workers born in the following weeks to support pollination. The hives are designed for improved visibility among the crop, known as Beevision, which helps bumblebees find the hive easily, reducing losses and improving pollination efficiency.

Natupol Excel is ideal for pollinating crops with a high flower density per square meter, particularly those grown under artificial light or in warmer climates. Each package contains one hive with a bumblebee colony, including a queen, 75-100 workers, brood, and sugar water. This product is specially designed for crops like cherry or snack tomatoes, strawberries, and others with a weekly flower count of 35-60 per square meter.

Amblyseius californicus preys on mites in the Tetranychidae family, including the two-spotted mite (Tetranychus urticae) and the carmine mite (Tetranychus cinnabarinus). Its total development time at 69.8°F is nearly 10 days, which is reduced to five days at 86°F. These temperatures correspond to the developmental temperatures of their main prey, the two-spotted spider mite. 

The lifecycle of Tetranychus urticae is 16 and 7 days at these temperatures, respectively. Amblyseius californicus is active within the temperature range of 54-95°F.

Amblyseius californicus preys on mites from the Tetranychidae family, including the common two-spotted mite, Tetranychus urticae, and the carmine mite, Tetranychus cinnabarinus. Its total development time is nearly 10 days at 69.8°F, but this is reduced to five days at 86°F. These temperatures align with those at which its principal prey, the two-spotted spider mite, develops. The lifecycle of Tetranychus urticae is 16 and 7 days at these temperatures, respectively. Amblyseius californicus remains active within a temperature range of 54-95°F.

Amblyseius californicus is classified as a Type II generalist predatory mite known for its primary attack on spider mites. It also feeds on numerous other leaf-inhabiting mites, including microscopic species like broad mites, as well as other small insects and pollen. This species is tolerant of various temperatures and lower humidity levels but performs optimally in warm to hot conditions.

Spidex Boost presents a straightforward application method for growers, offering immediate results without the need for further generations to emerge over time. Once the sachet is opened, the predatory mites in Spidex Boost get straight to work. Originally designed for Cannabis cultivation, its exceptional effectiveness has led to its widespread application in various crops, including tomatoes.

Ideal for open crops or those with small leaves where it is important to prevent the carrier material from contacting the plant, Spidex Boost provides a reliable solution.

Phytoseiulus persimilis is a predatory mite that exclusively preys on two-spotted spider mite adults, nymphs, and eggs. Since spider mites are their sole food source, it's most effective to introduce Persimilis when spider mites are first detected, rather than as a preventive measure. Once they consume all available spider mites, they will disperse or perish due to starvation. Unlike some other mites, Persimilis do not enter diapause and can completely eradicate spider mite populations under favorable climate conditions.

The sachets, presented in a sturdy cardboard box, are filled with wood-chip carriers that house the predatory mites. These mites multiply within the sachet and gradually disperse into the crop over a period of several weeks. 

Once released, they actively seek out and feed on pest populations, targeting them by piercing their prey with their sucking mouthparts and extracting their contents. This mode of action effectively controls pest populations, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and promoting a healthier crop environment.

Amblyseius swimsuit is a predatory mite known for its effectiveness in controlling thrips, making it particularly suitable for warmer climates due to its Mediterranean origin. In addition to thrips, it preys on broad mites, russet mites, and whitefly eggs. The use of adult mites in 1-liter containers, combined with slow-release sachets, has shown optimal results. Grower feedback regarding its effectiveness against broad mites has been consistently positive.

Amblyseius swirskii, primarily known as a thrips predator, thrives in warmer climates, being native to the Mediterranean region. Apart from thrips, it preys on broad mites, russet mites, and whitefly eggs. Optimal results are achieved when adults in 1-liter containers are used alongside slow-release sachets. Grower feedback for controlling broad mites has been highly positive.

Amblyseius swirskii is recognized primarily as a thrips predator, well-suited for warmer climates due to its Mediterranean origin. Apart from thrips, it preys on broad mites, russet mites, and whitefly eggs. Optimal results are achieved when adults in 1-liter containers are used alongside slow-release sachets. Grower feedback for controlling broad mites has been particularly positive.

Amblyseius cucumeris is a predatory mite known for its voracious appetite for thrips larvae. This beneficial mite species also targets broad mites and cyclamen mites, with some ability to control spider mites, although to a lesser extent. Its affordability and effectiveness make it a highly desirable choice for thrips control, particularly in operations where temperatures remain below 85°F.

Amblyseius cucumeris, a predatory mite, is an integral part of thrips control strategies due to its unique feeding habits and life cycle synchronization with pests.

The formulation of Amblyseius cucumeris is meticulously crafted to ensure a steady release of these predatory mites onto the crop each day. This strategic release pattern maximizes their impact on thrips populations.

With a total development time of 6-9 days at 75°F, the life cycle of Amblyseius cucumeris aligns well with that of Western Flower Thrips, ensuring effective control throughout the thrips' development stages.

Amblyseius cucumeris is known to prey on the larvae of various thrips species. Additionally, it targets broad mites, cyclamen mites, and to a lesser extent, spider mites. Due to their cost-effectiveness, they are a highly desirable choice for thrips control, particularly in environments where temperatures remain below 85°F.

Amblyseius cucumeris is a predatory mite known for its appetite for thrips larvae. It also consumes broad mites cyclamen mites, and to a lesser extent, spider mites. Its cost-effectiveness makes it a highly appealing option for thrips control, particularly in environments where temperatures remain below 85°F.

Usage Instructions:

• Apply in the cool morning or evening.
• Avoid application in bright sunlight.
• Open the bottle while keeping it horizontal to ensure the bugs stay well mixed in the carrier.
• Distribute the contents evenly onto leaves throughout the crop by gently shaking and rotating the bottle.