The Swirski-Mite Revolution: A Game-Changer in Pest Control
Thrips are one of the most challenging pests in horticulture and agriculture, causing both direct and indirect damage to a wide range of crops. Their ability to reproduce rapidly, damage plant tissue, and spread viruses makes them a serious threat to yield and product quality. However, integrating biological control with predatory mites offers a highly effective, sustainable, and commercially viable strategy.
Thrips impact on crops
Thrips such as Frankliniella occidentalis and Thrips tabaci thrive in greenhouses and covered production environments. They puncture plant tissues to feed on cell contents, leading to scarring, deformed growth, and flower damage. Moreover, their role as virus vectors (e.g., TSWV) increases the risk profile of infestations, making early intervention and IPM essential.
Biological control of thrips with predatory mites
Predatory mites feed on thrips larvae, suppressing populations early in the pest’s life cycle. Integrating these natural enemies into IPM programs reduces pesticide reliance, supports crop productivity and quality, and enables safer, more sustainable production. Predatory mites form the cornerstone of many successful IPM programs, supporting productivity, healthier crops and reducing chemical input.
Key benefits of using predatory mites
- Targeted action: they target specifically on thrips larvae.
- No side effects: a natural solution without harm to other natural enemies or pollinators.
- No resistance development: unlike chemical pesticides, pests do not develop resistance to natural predators.
- No residue: supporting growers to meet residue requirements or organic certification standards.
- Compatibility: easily combined with other biological and soft chemical tools in an IPM program.
Koppert: expert in predatory mite solutions
Koppert offers solutions for both preventive and curative applications in crops such as cucumber, pepper, eggplant, strawberry, and ornamentals. Each predatory mite species has unique strengths tailored to different climates and crop needs.
Amblyseius swirskii
Amblyseius swirskii targets thrips larvae as well as whitefly eggs and young larvae, other small insects and mites. It originates from mediterranean regions and therefore establishes fast in warm and moderate to high humid environments. It is available in multiple carriers tailored to different growing environments and circumstances: bottle, bulk, or sachets.
Amblydromalus limonicus
Amblydromalus limonicus is a generalist predatory mite feeding on thrips, whiteflies and other small insects and mites. It feeds on all larval stages of thrips and has a big appetite compared to other predatory mites. Furthermore, it has a high reproduction capacity, performs well in moderate and colder temperatures and can handle high humidity. The predatory mites have a somewhat higher sensitivity to chemical pesticides.
Transeius montdorensis
The predatory mite Transeius montdorensis is a versatile predator, effective against a broader spectrum of small pests, including thrips and whiteflies. It originates from tropical and subtropical regions and therefore thrives in these conditions.
A predatory mite solution for each growing environment
We offer an expanded portfolio to suit every crop and condition:
Bottles
Bottles with dosing caps for quick and easy manual application - ideal for hot spots and fast pest response. Also suitable for distribution via application technology as blowers or drones.
Slow-release sachets
Paper sachets containing mites, food, and carrier - great for gradual, continuous release in greenhouses.
Ulti-Mite sachets
For biological control in suboptimal circumstances. Made of industrially compostable foil, offering superior protection against moisture and drying out.
Predatory mite solutions
Limonica
Montdo Ulti-Mite
Montdo-Mite
Montdo-Mite Plus
Swirski Ulti-Mite
Swirski-Mite
Swirski-Mite LD
Swirski-Mite Plus
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Trusted worldwide since 1967
With Koppert’s predatory mites, commercial growers gain access to effective, environmentally sound, and residue-free solutions. By integrating our predatory mite solution in your IPM strategy, you can prevent outbreaks, enhance crop productivity and health, and ensure market compliance – without an impact on the environment and human health.
Koppert is the pioneer in the development of predatory mite solutions, starting in 1967 with the production of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis. Over the years, we have further specialized in producing a big range of natural enemies and have several patents to our name. Our stability in breeding, quality, reliability, and secure delivery is well-known around the world. Our dedication and commitment to develop methods that enable growers to effectively introduce these solutions into their crops, ensuring optimal performance, is an integral part of our DNA.
What we can do for you and your crop
Whether you're just starting with biological control or looking to optimize your current IPM strategy, our global team of crop protection specialists is ready to help. Get in touch for tailored advice!
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