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:

A test field of around 3,000 m² at Macfrut 2024

23 April 2024

At Macfrut, the sector’s innovations will be on display in an area of around 3,000 square metres, divided into two halls: one dedicated to fruit growing (Hall C1 - Agri Field Solution) and the other to soilless production techniques, commercial and industrial horticulture, and mechanisation (Hall A1 – Machinery Solutions). ‘Both of these areas allow visitors to see for themselves what they can put into practice on their own farm,’ says Luciano Trentini, an experienced agronomist. »

The first edition of Fruit Attraction in Brazil reflects the potential of the Brazilian fruit and vegetable sector

22 April 2024

Fruit Attraction, one of the world's leading international trade fairs for the fruit and vegetable sector, has closed its first edition in Brazil, at the São Paulo Expo. The three-day event brought together the entire production chain of the sector, with the presence of 45 countries and 8 Brazilian states (São Paulo, Bahia, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte, Maranhão, Pará, Espírito Santo and Paraná) and 12,000 visitors. »

What happened in the food industry this past month?

15 April 2024

Innovation is of key importance at SIAL Paris – and nowhere is this more the case than at the SIAL Start-up Village, which is run in partnership with Sesamers. Present in 24 countries, Sesamers is a global network of tech events that was launched in 2015 by specialists in innovation and business events. “With 10 years of experience, we help innovative businesses to shine on stage, build better events and scale their influence strategy,” the network, also known as Start-up Sesame, says. »