This mix of beneficial insects keeps thrips under control in strawberries

With temperatures rising, thrips pressure in strawberry crops is increasing. The thrips population, especially in everbearers, can grow explosively. In addition to using predatory mites, growers can prevent damage to crops by also introducing the predatory bug Orius-System − explains Eline Braet, Crop Specialist Berries at Biobest Group.

“As everbearers are continuously in bloom, thrips can cause a great deal of damage,” she says.  "The flowers affected grow into misshapen and bronze-coloured strawberries, which cannot be sold. It is important for growers to ensure a strong population of beneficial insects which can handle all stages of thrips."

Combination of beneficials
Eline explains that at the beginning of the cultivation season most growers introduce sachets containing predatory mites that feed on thrips larvae. Some growers rely on Amblyseius-System, while others introduce Swirskii-System. "We recommend introducing predatory mites weekly to maintain optimal levels of these effective predatory mites,” says Eline.  “However, now that thrips pressure is increasing, we recommend also using Orius-System. This predatory bug eats thrips larvae as well as adults. For best results, we recommend growers to introduce Orius-System in small piles throughout the crop. The quantities needed depend on the pest pressure – which is best discussed with your Biobest Advisor."

Scouting and sticky traps
Of course, optimising pest control always begins with monitoring. "By shaking out several flower clusters, growers can gain good insight into the presence of thrips,’ says Eline. “Especially now that temperatures are rising, it is important to scout crops carefully. We also advise hanging up sticky traps or rolls."

Press releases: Biobest Group N.V.

Read more:

Macfrut Academy, a new video lesson

17 September 2024

The Macfrut Academy, the training platform sponsored by Macfrut, is back after the summer break. A new video lesson on new developments in the production of strawberries, with a special focus on how to enhance and maintain their quality, will be released on Thursday 19 September at 5 pm Italian time (UTC+2). The video lesson begins by looking at the latest developments in variety research, and then analyses market demands and the strategies that researchers and growers can put in place to meet them. »

Expand Your Business at Egypt's Trade Fair! Pacprocess MEA

17 September 2024

pacprocess MEA, the International Exhibition for Processing & Packaging in the Middle East and Africa, is a comprehensive and highly-targeted exhibition that addresses the requirements of the food, beverage, confectionery, bakery, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, non-food, and industrial goods sectors in the Middle East and Africa region. The trade fair brings together local and international industry stakeholders from across the entire value chain to showcase cutting-edge technologies and forge lucrative partnerships. »

FPC Delivers Landmark Win: Import Checks Eased, Fees Waived, and Products Reclassified in Major Boost for UK Food & Drink Industry

16 September 2024

Key changes secured by the FPC include: • Postponement of Import Checks & Fees: Import checks and associated fees on medium-risk fruit and vegetables from the EU have been delayed from January 2025 to 1st July 2025. • Reclassification of Products: Several commodity groups, including apples and pears, have been reclassified from medium to low risk, facilitating their free movement from the EU, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein »