Biological control in spring facilitates protection against pests in the next winter cycle

There is a false belief that natural enemies do not establish well in spring crops, although reality shows the opposite. The auxiliary fauna, as soon as it is released into the greenhouse, feeds and reproduces at the same rate as during the rest of the year, since the placement of a thermal blanket or other climate control elements commonly used makes it possible for insects to Beneficial plants develop their life cycle in ideal conditions.

Carrying out biological pest control in spring crops is necessary to break the life cycle of pests and guarantee that the next campaign can begin without incidents. On the contrary, if the release of auxiliary fauna is interrupted during the spring cycle, the effect of unprotecting the crop against pests is achieved and the effectiveness of the biological control carried out throughout the winter is completely lost.

Loose in melon and watermelon

Koppert recommends that the planning of releases of auxiliary fauna continue during the production of seasonal crops such as melon and watermelon, since the basis that supports the effectiveness of biological control is its continuity over time.

It is very important to keep in mind that the biological control strategies that work best are those that begin before the pests appear. For this reason, the first introductions of auxiliary fauna into greenhouses have a preventive purpose in most cases and must be carried out with sufficient advance notice, always relying on qualified technical advice.

Koppert currently offers biological control solutions for each of the most important pests affecting spring crops, such as aphids , spider mites , thrips , caterpillars and whiteflies . In addition to natural enemies, the farmer also has at his disposal beneficial microorganisms that play an important role, both in the soil and in the aerial part of the plant.

Immediately after making the spring transplants, it is advisable to apply the biological fungicide TRIANUM® to strengthen the roots against possible stress situations caused, for example, by increased temperatures. Other beneficial microorganisms that Koppert recommends during the spring cycle are entomopathogenic nematodes for the biological control of caterpillars, which are easy to apply by spraying and are very effective. Koppert markets these nematodes under the CAPSANEM® brand.