Enhance your aphid control with hoverfly allies Rophoria and Syrphidend

In response to the growing challenges posed by aphid infestations, Koppert introduces two new products to its aphid control product portfolio: Rophoria and Syrphidend. The hoverfly-based biological agents play an additional role in strengthening our arsenal against aphids, contributing to healthier crops and improved yields.

Hoverflies, renowned for their exceptional flying capabilities, prove to be efficient dispersers, covering large areas with ease from relatively few release points. Their unique ability to locate aphid hotspots based on olfactory cues makes them valuable assets in the ongoing battle against these destructive pests. Hoverflies are versatile in their diet, showing no particular preference for aphid species, and each hoverfly larva efficiently consumes numerous aphids before pupation.

Rophoria, the hoverfly Sphaerophoria rueppellii, is able to thrive in a wider range of temperatures compared to its counterpart, Syrphidend. Adapted to warmer and drier conditions, Rophoria stands out as a versatile and resilient solution. The product must be used preventatively or as soon as the first aphids are detected in the crop.

While Rophoria excels in warmer conditions, Syrphidend, featuring the hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus, is well-suited for cooler conditions. Despite its narrower temperature range, Syrphidend plays a vital role in providing effective aphid control when temperatures dip, ensuring a comprehensive solution for a variety of environmental settings.

While hoverflies have historically been employed in sweet pepper crops under glass, their adaptability extends across a wide range of crops, including greenhouse crops, soft fruits, and apples. This versatility positions hoverflies as a valuable resource for sustainable pest management practices in various agricultural settings.

Incorporating Rophoria and Syrphidend into our aphid control product portfolio represents a strategic move to address the challenges posed by aphids. Hoverflies can be combined with other natural enemies for robust and effective control of aphid pests.

Rophoria is supplied in a cardboard box containing 100 hoverfly pupae of Sphaerophoria rueppellii.

Syrphidend is supplied in a cardboard box containing 50 hoverfly pupae of Episyrphus balteatus.

The dosage depends on climate, crop and aphid density and should always be adjusted to the particular situation. Consult a Koppert advisor or recognized distributor for advice on the best strategy for your situation.