ERCAL

Unit of packaging

Eretmocerus eremicus (parasitic wasp)

Pack size: 10 cardboard strips each with 5 cards wrapped in a box

Contains: parasitized whitefly pupae, from which 3,000 parasitic wasps hatch

Target

Glasshouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) and tobacco whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) in the second and third larval stage.

Introduction

• open package carefully inside the greenhouse
• bend strips and tear off. Start tearing opposite hang-up hole
• suspend the cards in the crop, if possible approximately 75 cm under plant head
• not in direct sunlight
• do not touch the pupae

Environmental conditions

Eretmocerus eremicus performs best at a 24 hour average greenhouse temperature greater than 20°C/68°F. However introductions can start at lower temperatures.

At higher temperatures (above 30°C/86°F) Eretmocerus eremicus stays active.

Storage and handling

• storage after receipt: 1-2 days
• storage temperature: 8-10°C/47-50°F
• in the dark

Remarks

Eretmocerus eremicus is less susceptible to pesticides than Encarsia formosa.

Intensive deleafing (in tomatoes) hinders the population build up of whitefly parasites.

Appearance

Female adults: lemon-yellow

Male adults: brownish-yellow, thick antennae

Other stages: develop inside host

Mode of action

Female adult parasitic wasp parasitizes the larva of the whitefly. Host feeding also takes place.

Visual effect

After about 2 weeks, the first parasitized pupae can be seen in the crop. The parasitized whitefly pupa turns yellow in colour and is independent of species. The adult parasitic wasp emerges from the pupa through a round hole.

Important!

The introduction rates of this product should be adjusted to the mode of action of the product and the results that can be expected in the crop where the product is applied. Your local Koppert consultant or recognized distributor will be able to advise you further.

Only use products that are permitted in your country / state and crop.