• Neoseiulus californicus

  The predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus (previously Amblyseius californicus) is commonly used for biological pest control of spider mites . Although Neoseiulus californicus prefers spider mites it can also feed on other food sources such as other mites, thrips or pollen. This predatory mite is more tolerant of higher temperatures, lower humidities and pesticides than Phytoseiulus persimilis . It can survive longer than Phytoseiulus persimilis when

• Amblyseius swirskii

  Amblyseius swirskii is a species of predatory mite widely employed for biological pest control in agriculture. The predatory mite is an excellent biocontrol agent of thrips and whiteflies. Amblyseius swirskii can also survive on pollen and other prey and can establish in the crop before the pest appears. These predatory mites are employed as part of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly

• Plant Health

  Rediscovering natural approaches to plant health Embracing biological pest control Over the years, biological pest control has proven effective in managing pests without the drawbacks of chemical pesticides. Beneficial arthropods and insect pathogenic microbes offer sustainable solutions, ensuring long-term effectiveness and compliance with stringent chemical residue standards. Nurturing plant-soil interaction Understanding how plants interact

• Predatory mites

  What are predatory mites? Predatory mites are beneficial arthropods used in pest control to manage and reduce populations of harmful pests in various agricultural and horticultural settings. These tiny arthropods are natural enemies of many plant-feeding mites and insects like spider mites , whitefly and thrips . Predatory mites are an essential component of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies as they offer an sustainable alternative to

• Predatory insects

  Predatory bugs Predatory bugs are beneficial insects crucial for natural pest control in agriculture. Equipped with piercing mouthparts, they actively hunt and feed on various harmful pests, helping to maintain a balanced ecosystem. Predatory bugs play a vital role in controlling whitefly , thrips , caterpillars and leaf miner larvae. Macrolophus pygmaeus (Mirical, Mirical-N), a species of predatory bug, is particularly skilled in controlling

• Plant Disease Management

  What is biological disease control? Biological control of plant diseases is a method used to manage and reduce the impact of plant diseases by utilizing beneficial organisms. This method relies on the use of living organisms to suppress or control plant pathogens, which are microorganisms that cause diseases in plants. The primary goal of biological control is to reduce the damage caused by these pathogens while minimizing the use of chemical

• Parasitic wasps

  What are parasitic wasps? Parasitic wasps are small insects that play a crucial role in natural pest control. They are called "parasitic" because they lay their eggs inside or on harmful pest insects. These parasitic wasp larvae then develop inside the host insect, eventually killing it. These wasps are highly specialized, with different species targeting specific pests. They are effective in reducing the population of harmful insects, making them

• Beneficial nematodes

  Beneficial nematodes species Several species of beneficial nematodes are commonly used in biological pest control . These nematodes play a vital role in managing insect pests and are considered beneficial for agriculture, horticulture, and integrated pest management programs. Some of the well-known beneficial nematode species include: Steinernema feltiae : These cold tolerant nematodes are effective against a wide range of soil-dwelling pests,

• Integrated Pest Management

  What is IPM? Integrated Pest Management, often referred to as IPM, is a sustainable and environmentally responsible approach to pest management. It employs a combination of strategies to prevent and control pests while minimizing the use of pesticides. Integrated Pest Management is a dynamic and multifaceted strategy for pest control. It combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools to manage pests effectively. This approach is

• Beneficial microorganisms

  What are beneficial microorganisms? Beneficial microorganisms, also known as beneficial microbes, are microorganisms that provide positive effects to their environment, including various biological systems and organisms. These microorganisms play a crucial role in biological pest control by effectively infecting and controlling harmful pests. Beneficial microorganisms for pest control include fungi, bacteria and viruses that naturally occur in