As producers and technicians well know, due to climate change, the pressure of various parasites on Ranunculus and Anemones has increased significantly in recent years. One of the most problematic pests to manage was and still is thrips, and this applies to both integrated and organic production.
Koppert is a company that has been developing, producing and supplying solutions for biocontrol and pollination in agriculture for more than 50 years.
Here at La Marca Flowers we use Macro-Mite, already exploited last year, and Capirel, both supplied to us by the Koppert company, as antagonists. They are used for the biological control of some species of thrips and whiteflies.
The fight against thrips often represents a major problem regarding various crops.
Thanks to its research centers and years of studies and experience, Koppert offers a new auxiliary for the fight against thrips. Macrocheles Robustulus, is distributed under the trade name Macro-Mite. It is a mite that actively preys on various species of thrips, affecting their pupa stage, which takes place in the soil. This is distributed evenly over the soil/substrate and in order to obtain the best results, the soil must be moist, rich in organic matter and have a soft structure. The minimum temperature is 15°C.
Capirel are entomopathogenic nematodes used for the defense of Ranunculus; they penetrate the parasites by releasing symbiotic bacteria into their body varieties. This bacteria transforms the host’s tissue into a food source that the nematodes feed on, developing and reproducing inside the host itself. Thus killing the parasite within a few hours or days of infection.
The infected pests in the root zone change colour from yellow to brown, but may be difficult to detect due to rapid deterioration. The infected leaf pests simply fall to the ground. Preserving biodiversity means adopting sustainable procedures in the use of natural resources. This means avoiding the approach of excessive and irresponsible exploitation of resources, which has led to a serious loss of habitat and the disappearance of numerous animal and plant species.
The sustainable management of resources, on the other hand, aims to ensure that they get used in a balanced way, so as to satisfy the needs of present generations without compromising the satisfaction of the needs of future ones.
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