Thrips are a persistent challenge for growers in horticulture and agriculture where they can cause significant crop damage and economic losses. Biocontrol solutions leverage natural enemies to suppress thrips populations and maintain crop health. Koppert provides a comprehensive range of biocontrol products designed to meet the unique needs of professional growers. Let’s explore these innovative solutions.
Biological solutions for thrips control
Managing thrips effectively is essential for maintaining healthy crops and maximizing yields in horticulture and agriculture. Koppert provides a wide range of biocontrol solutions that harness the power of nature to combat thrips infestations sustainably. From predatory mites and bugs to beneficial nematodes and fungi, these solutions are designed to work in harmony with the environment, offering growers reliable, eco-friendly pest control tailored to various crops and growing conditions.
Thrips control with predatory mites
Predatory mites are a cornerstone of thrips control, actively hunting and consuming thrips at various stages of their lifecycle. These mites are natural enemies of thrips and use their agility and specialized mouthparts to attack and consume them. They are introduced into crop environments where thrips are present, either through direct application or via slow-release systems.
Once released, predatory mites disperse across the crop, searching for thrips in their preferred habitats, such as on the underside of leaves, within flowers, or on young shoots. By targeting the early stages of the thrips lifecycle, such as eggs and larvae, predatory mites significantly reduce the chances of population buildup. This proactive control helps to prevent outbreaks and minimizes the damage caused by thrips.
Different species of predatory mites are suited to varying environmental conditions and thrips species. For instance, some are highly effective in warm and humid climates, while others perform well in cooler environments. By maintaining a steady presence, predatory mites contribute to long-term thrips management, supporting a balanced ecosystem and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. Their adaptability and efficiency make them an essential component of integrated pest management strategies for commercial growers. Koppert offers an extensive range of predatory mite solutions for thrips control, tailored to meet the diverse needs of professional growers.
Beneficial Organism | Product Range | Growing Environment | Special Features |
---|---|---|---|
Amblyseius andersoni | Anso-Mite, Anso-Mite Plus | Protected crops | Effective in controlled environments, with a sustained release option. |
Amblydromalus limonicus | Limonica | Protected crops | Known for robust predation behavior and adaptability. |
Neoseiulus cucumeris | Thripex, Thripex-Plus, Thripex-V | Protected crops | Targets early-stage thrips larvae; includes variants for better coverage and vertical application. |
Amblyseius swirskii | Swirski-Mite, Swirski-Mite LD, Swirski-Mite Plus, Swirski Ulti-Mite | Protected crops, open field | Versatile solutions for mixed pest infestations, with long-duration options and outdoor adaptability. |
Transeius montdorensis | Montdo-Mite, Montdo-Mite Plus, Montdo Ulti-Mite | Protected crops, open field | Adaptable to a wide range of crops and climates, ideal for large-scale farming. |
Macrocheles robustulus | Macro-Mite | Protected crops | Specialized in controlling soil-dwelling thrips pupae. |
Predatory bugs for thrips control
Koppert’s predatory bugs provide an effective solution for thrips control, targeting adult and juvenile stages with precision. The Thripor range, featuring species such as Orius insidiosus (Thripor-I), Orius laevigatus (Thripor-L), and Orius majusculus (Thripor-M), is ideal for use in protected crops. These predatory bugs are highly mobile and adaptable, making them particularly effective in greenhouse environments where they can actively hunt and suppress thrips populations. With different species suited to varying conditions and crop needs, Thripor products are a reliable choice for comprehensive pest management.
Predatory bug solutions for thrips control
Beneficial nematodes to control thrips
For soil-dwelling thrips pupae, Koppert offers beneficial nematodes as a natural and highly effective solution. Products such as Capirel and Entonem utilize Steinernema feltiae to infiltrate and eliminate thrips at the soil stage. Capirel is designed for open field applications, while Entonem is optimized for protected crops. These nematodes integrate seamlessly into biological control programs, providing growers with a sustainable approach to breaking the thrips lifecycle.
Beneficial nematode solutions for thrips control
Thrips control with beneficial fungi


Koppert also provides Mycotal, a biological insecticide based on the beneficial fungus Lecanicillium muscarium Ve6. This product is specifically formulated for use in protected crops and offers a sustainable, non-toxic method for controlling thrips populations. Mycotal effectively targets multiple thrips species, delivering long-lasting results while supporting integrated pest management strategies.
Beneficial fungi solutions for thrips control
How to identify thrips species


Accurate identification of thrips species is crucial for selecting the most effective biological control solutions. This thrips identification poster is designed to help you quickly and easily determine which thrips species are present in your crops.
Featuring detailed images and key characteristics of common species, this guide enables you to choose the right natural enemies to apply, ensuring optimal pest control. Download the poster and take the first step toward targeted and sustainable thrips management.
Best practices for thrips control
When tackling a pest such as thrips, it is vital to work systematically. While there is a whole range of products available to control thrips, not all products can be used together without causing other issues. For example, the simultaneous use of different species of predatory mites is not a good idea, and if the use of chemicals proves necessary, be sure to tailor them to the biological control methods you are using too. If you don't, you run the risk of disrupting the biological balance within the crop.
Choosing the right predatory mite
Which predatory mite would be most effective within your business depends on various factors: the crop, the climate, previous experiences, your own preference, and statutory requirements. In ornamental crops there are multiple commonly-used species: Amblyseius swirskii, Transeius montdorensis, Neoseiulus cucumeris and Amblydromalus limonicus. The later controlling both whitefly and thrips. Other useful predatory mites include Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Hypoaspis miles) and Macrocheles robustulus. For fruiting vegetables such as sweet peppers and aubergines, the preventative introduction of the predatory bug Orius spp. (Thripor-L, Thripor-I) is an important basis in the fight against thrips. But beware: this predatory bug is very sensitive to chemicals.
Thrips pupae require a special approach
An additional problem is the fact that the thrips pupae, which are often in the ground, are difficult to tackle. However, certain beneficials are perfect for the job. There are beneficial nematodes such as Steinernema feltiae. Or a product like Mycotal, which is especially effective against larvae. The spores of the fungus Lecanicillium muscarium in this product germinate on the insect and the mycelia then penetrate the body. The larva then dies.
Monitoring thrips is important
Lastly, Horiver sticky traps and Horiver Rollertraps are important tools in ascertaining whether thrips are present, and – in the case of the Rollertraps – also to capture and remove as many flying specimens as possible. Of course, you have to make sure that the thrips can find the sticky traps and Rollertraps. The attractant Lurem-TR is the perfect aid in this regard.