Unit of packaging

Nesidiocoris tenuis (predatory bug)

Pack size: 500 ml bottle

Contains: 500 adults and nymphs mixed with vermiculite

Target

Eggs and larvae of the leaf mining moth Tuta absoluta, the greenhouse (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) and cotton (Bemisia tabaci) whiteflies. It also feeds on spider mite, moth eggs and thrips and, to a lesser extent, aphids and leaf miner larvae. However, colonies develop more rapidly on whitefly and Tuta absoluta. The adults can also live for a time on plant sap.

Dose

Introduction 

• Distribute the material over the leaves of grown plants or in application boxes (DIBOX) on small plants.
• Introduce in groups of a maximum of approx. 25 predatory bugs.
• Distribute the bottle at a minimum of 20 release points for preventive and low curative releases.
• Spread the material in fine layers (max. 2 cms) to encourage movement of the bugs.

Environmental conditions

Growth of Nesidiocoris tenuis will occur more slowly at lower temperatures.

Storage

• Storage following delivery: 1-2 days.
• Storage temperature: 8 - 10ºC.
• Keep in the dark (horizontal bottle).

Observations

• Its use is recommended for sweet peppers, tomato (check type of tomato) and aubergine crops, along with some cucurbitaceae and ornamentals.
• If there is no strong infestation or there are few pests in the crop, feed the predatory bugs with ENTOFOOD every two weeks (40g/hectare max. 3-4x).
• Monitor the population level of Nesidiocoris tenuis by means of weekly sampling.
• For control of whitefly combine its use with parasitic wasps (Eretmocerus mundus, Eretmocerus eremicus, Encarsia formosa).

Appearance

Adults: size 6mm, green in colour, slender, long legs and antennae, they appear particularly on shoots and along the stalks and flowers of some crops.

Eggs: cannot be seen, they are inserted into leaves and stalks.

Nymphs: green, visible particularly on the underside of leaves.

Mode of action

The predatory bugs and nymphs actively seek out their prey and then insert their sucking mouth parts to extract the content of the prey’s body.

Visual effect

If the predatory bug eats eggs, larvae or pupae, all that will remain is the skin, normally in its original form, with a tiny hole (observed under magnification) where the bug’s mouth part was inserted. The predatory effects can also be observed in other prey such as spider mite, thrips, leaf miners and caterpillar eggs.

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. Check local registration requirements.
Koppert Biological Systems can not be held liable for unauthorized use.