With its new formula, Koppert Biological Systems has produced an even more effective variant of the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii. The product is called Swirski-Mite LD (Long Duration). After the initial introduction, this natural enemy of thrips and whitefly now remains present in the crop for longer and more noticeably. This reinforces the biological system and offers growers even greater confidence.
In the case of Swirski-Mite LD, Amblyseius swirskii mites are released over a longer period. In the standard Swirski-Mite Plus product, a slow-release bag is spent after four to six weeks. Under the right conditions, the Long Duration variant is effective for more than six weeks. This makes the product ideally suited to a preventative approach. Predatory mites crawl out of the slow-release bags and into the crop continuously, as a result of which the crop is protected against attack by thrips or whitefly throughout that period.
Many advantages One particular advantage of this product is during periods when there is both a lack of prey for Amblyseius swirskii and a lack of other food on which to survive in the crop, for example in cucumber, rose and gerbera crops where no pollen is available.
In addition, during the period in which the predatory mite emerges from the LD packaging, 50 to 100 per cent more mites emerge compared with the number emerging from the standard packaging. Together with the longer period of effectiveness, in many crops this results in thrips and whitefly being combated more powerfully.
Koppert will be presenting the new product at the Horti Fair (stand number 08.0113) and the International Flower Trade Fair (stand number B5.07). First deliveries are planned for December. The use of the product mentioned in this press release may be subject to the necessary legal authorisation and/or limited by law with respect to country/state and/or crop.