How to overcome pest problems without using chemical insecticides ?
MEET THE ECOBOTIX SOLUTION:
Ecobotix bug applicator
Ecobotix bug applicator
Ecobotix bug applicator is a biological application device that can be operated with different technologies. This is designed to automatically handle and distribute primarily macrobial compounds.
Your inquiry list can be found on the bottom of the frontpage
Macrobials
Macrobials
We offer efficient release of useful animals in various types of crops.
We can now quickly, easily and not least in a timely manner deliver the appropriate number of useful animals to your areas. The drone is particularly suitable for general prevention, but also for the treatment of existing pest problems, including intensive spot treatment of severely affected areas.
Beneficial insects are delivered in a gradual carrier, which are distributed over the crops to start the treatment.
Ecobotix is offering an innovative and patented technology for distributing macrobials over the crops.
We can guarantee close to 100% quality preservation of macrobials, which results no wasted value or side-effects, and better ROI for the crop producer.
Monitoring
Monitoring
How to overcome pest problems without using chemical
insecticides ?
MEET THE ECOBOTIX SOLUTION
Ecobotix bug applicator
Ecobotix bug applicator
Ecobotix bug applicator is a biological application device that can be operated with different technologies. This is designed to automatically handle and distribute primarily macrobial compounds.
Your inquiry list can be found on the bottom of the frontpage
Macrobials
Macrobials
We offer efficient release of useful animals in various types of crops.
We can now quickly, easily and not least in a timely manner deliver the appropriate number of useful animals to your areas. The drone is particularly suitable for general prevention, but also for the treatment of existing pest problems, including intensive spot treatment of severely affected areas.
Beneficial insects are delivered in a gradual carrier, which are distributed over the crops to start the treatment.
Ecobotix is offering an innovative and patented technology for distributing macrobials over the crops.
We can guarantee close to 100% quality preservation of macrobials, which results no wasted value or side-effects, and better ROI for the crop producer.
Monitoring
Monitoring
Why Ecobotix?
We have the vision of a world where healthy foods are accessible to all and can be produced without negative environmental impacts. Ecobotix aims to become the European reference point for services to organic farming by offering technological solutions with clear benefits for crop growers.
Our mission is to develop and offer solutions that can eliminate the need for pesticide use. By combining biological control with modern technology, we can alleviate pest problems on nature’s own terms and thus help to make organic farming more attractive and efficient.
Why Ecobotix?
We have the vision of a world where healthy foods are accessible to all and can be produced without negative environmental impacts. Ecobotix aims to become the European reference point for services to organic farming by offering technological solutions with clear benefits for crop growers.
Our mission is to develop and offer solutions that can eliminate the need for pesticide use. By combining biological control with modern technology, we can alleviate pest problems on nature’s own terms and thus help to make organic farming more attractive and efficient.
Agriculture
Crops
Rapeseed
Rapeseed (Brassica napus)
In 2020 rapeseed is grown on 35.5 m. ha worldwide, hereof 8,7 m. ha in Europe and hereof 0.15 m. ha in Denmark. Around 3% of the area is grown organically in Denmark, worldwide the organic area is around 3‰ or equal to 0,1 m. ha (Sources: FaoStat (2020) and Willer, Travnicek, Schlatter (2020).
Rapeseed is an essential crop which is used in many different areas such as edible oil, biodiesel, lubricant and feed, there is growing demand for organic rapeseed to be used for edible oil and feed. Rapeseed constitutes an important protein source in many temperate regions where it can be produced locally, and thereby serve as an alternative to imported protein sources such as soy beans.
The problem
Several insect pests have a significant impact on the yield of rapeseed production, pests include flea beetles, pollen beetles, weevils, fungus gnats and cutworms. In Denmark the main damaging pests are the cabbage stem flea beetle followed by the pollen beetle, Miljøstyrelsen, 2021. These species have both of these species have over the years developed a high level of pesticide resistance and also worth noting fewer conventional pesticides are now becoming available on the market.
Since the impact of above-mentioned pests can vary significantly between locations, conditions and years, effective scouting strategies, proper damage predictions and accurate economic threshold utilization can help growers manage pest insects throughout the growing season for a successful rapeseed crop.
Damage pests
Cabbage stem flea beetle (Psylliodes chrysocephala)
This beetle can cause damage in two ways. The adult beetle can eat so violently of the plants in the emergence phase that the plants are severely inhibited and the plant population is thinned. In case of heavy attacks, reseeding may even be necessary. Later, the larval infestation in leaf stalks and stems can become so violent that the growth of the plants is inhibited. These symptoms first appear in the spring. Larvae and larval passages are seen in leaf stalks and later also in the stem. Heavily infested plants are stunted and look like small ‘shrubs’ as the stalk growth is inhibited. Brown rot in the heart shot also occurs. In case of heavy attacks, again reseeding may be necessary. Furthermore, infected plants are more prone to frost damage as water can penetrate into the larval holes.
Pollen beetle (Meligethes aeneus).
The beetle feeds on pollen and only does damage in the bud stage of the plants. The attack results in barren shells. The beetle lays its eggs in the buds. The beetle can cause significant damage when occurring in large numbers and especially when activity is overlapping with the early bud stage. Though mainly considered an important damaging pest in rapeseed, the beetle does however also play a minor but beneficial role as pollinator.
Damage threshold
An economic threshold is the level of infestation (pest insect density) at which lost yield (due to feeding/insect pest damage) exceeds the cost of the treatment.
Today Danish organic growers usually achieve a yield per hectare of 2,5 tons, which is only half the yield compared to conventional growers (5 tons). The yield difference is in part attributable to loss from damaging insects.
It is estimated that a better pest management practice and an active utilization of beneficial insects could provide a yield increase of up to 500 kg per hectare for organic growers, which would be equivalent to a revenue increase of 3.250 kr./ha (assuming a price of 6,5 kr./kg).
Natural enemies
Different types of predators such as ground beetles, rove beetles, spiders, and many parasitoids also play a crucial role in reducing pest damage in rapeseed fields. Intercropping, flower strips, no-tillage and reducing chemical spraying are example of means that can serve to preserve populations of natural enemies, being aligned with the principles of conservation biological control.
When natural populations of predators or parasitoids arrive to late or in such few numbers to sufficiently limit the damage from important insect pests augmentative biological control can be a relevant option to consider, in fact this seems to be the case for the cabbage stem flea beetles and even the pollen beetle.
Laboratory feeding studies conducted at Aarhus University indicated that the Atheta (Dalotia coraria) rove beetle, a native Danish species, will feed on eggs of cabbage stem flea beetles as well as on larvae stages of the pollen beetle.
Field trials (in 2021) accessing the possibility of augmentative biological control of the cabbage stem flea beetle (conducted by Ecobotix, EWH BioProduction and Velas) later indicated that the Atheta rove beetle when reared and later released in the field can in fact play an important role in reducing damage from the cabbage stem flea beetle. More work is presently required to firmly validate the results and to show also if there is in fact a similar possibility for augmentative biological control of the pollen beetle.
Maize/Corn
Maize/Corn
In recent decades, corn production has soared. Today, corn is grown on 180 million hectares worldwide with a production volume of approx. 1 billion tons to meet the increasing demand for corn-based animal feed and bio-diesel. Maize yield of Denmark increased from 48,105 hg per ha in 2010 to 72,178 hg per ha in 2014 growing at an average annual rate of 10.92 %.
The problem
The effect of arthropod pests on maize production is considerable, though quite variable from location to location. Data suggests that the potential level of pedts damage in maize is about 14–17% worldwide. Unsprayed corn fields host an army of beneficial arthropods, a valuable free source of natural pest control best nurtured, but all too easily and often destroyed by harsh pesticide regimens. Corn earworms, armyworms, aphids and other pests pose major problems on corn in diversified organic farms where the indigenous pest-fighting natural enemies are preserved.
Damage pests
At present, the most important arthropod pest of maize in Europe is the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis. In the infested areas, O. nubilalis occurs in a large proportion in the fields and estimated yield losses between 5% and 30% are typical without control measures. Corn rootworm larvae feed on the roots and base of the stem. They disrupt water and nutrient uptake, and cause plants to lodge (fall over), making harvest difficult. Adults also feed on foliage and silks, sometimes interfering with pollination, but this generally is not very important.
Agriculture
Crops
Rapeseed
Rapeseed (Brassica napus)
In 2020 rapeseed is grown on 35.5 m. ha worldwide, hereof 8,7 m. ha in Europe and hereof 0.15 m. ha in Denmark. Around 3% of the area is grown organically in Denmark, worldwide the organic area is around 3‰ or equal to 0,1 m. ha (Sources: FaoStat (2020) and Willer, Travnicek, Schlatter (2020).
Rapeseed is an essential crop which is used in many different areas such as edible oil, biodiesel, lubricant and feed, there is growing demand for organic rapeseed to be used for edible oil and feed. Rapeseed constitutes an important protein source in many temperate regions where it can be produced locally, and thereby serve as an alternative to imported protein sources such as soy beans.
The problem
Several insect pests have a significant impact on the yield of rapeseed production, pests include flea beetles, pollen beetles, weevils, fungus gnats and cutworms. In Denmark the main damaging pests are the cabbage stem flea beetle followed by the pollen beetle, Miljøstyrelsen, 2021. These species have both of these species have over the years developed a high level of pesticide resistance and also worth noting fewer conventional pesticides are now becoming available on the market.
Since the impact of above-mentioned pests can vary significantly between locations, conditions and years, effective scouting strategies, proper damage predictions and accurate economic threshold utilization can help growers manage pest insects throughout the growing season for a successful rapeseed crop.
Damage pests
Cabbage stem flea beetle (Psylliodes chrysocephala)
This beetle can cause damage in two ways. The adult beetle can eat so violently of the plants in the emergence phase that the plants are severely inhibited and the plant population is thinned. In case of heavy attacks, reseeding may even be necessary. Later, the larval infestation in leaf stalks and stems can become so violent that the growth of the plants is inhibited. These symptoms first appear in the spring. Larvae and larval passages are seen in leaf stalks and later also in the stem. Heavily infested plants are stunted and look like small ‘shrubs’ as the stalk growth is inhibited. Brown rot in the heart shot also occurs. In case of heavy attacks, again reseeding may be necessary. Furthermore, infected plants are more prone to frost damage as water can penetrate into the larval holes.
Pollen beetle (Meligethes aeneus).
The beetle feeds on pollen and only does damage in the bud stage of the plants. The attack results in barren shells. The beetle lays its eggs in the buds. The beetle can cause significant damage when occurring in large numbers and especially when activity is overlapping with the early bud stage. Though mainly considered an important damaging pest in rapeseed, the beetle does however also play a minor but beneficial role as pollinator.
Damage threshold
An economic threshold is the level of infestation (pest insect density) at which lost yield (due to feeding/insect pest damage) exceeds the cost of the treatment.
Today Danish organic growers usually achieve a yield per hectare of 2,5 tons, which is only half the yield compared to conventional growers (5 tons). The yield difference is in part attributable to loss from damaging insects.
It is estimated that a better pest management practice and an active utilization of beneficial insects could provide a yield increase of up to 500 kg per hectare for organic growers, which would be equivalent to a revenue increase of 3.250 kr./ha (assuming a price of 6,5 kr./kg).
Natural enemies
Different types of predators such as ground beetles, rove beetles, spiders, and many parasitoids also play a crucial role in reducing pest damage in rapeseed fields. Intercropping, flower strips, no-tillage and reducing chemical spraying are example of means that can serve to preserve populations of natural enemies, being aligned with the principles of conservation biological control.
When natural populations of predators or parasitoids arrive to late or in such few numbers to sufficiently limit the damage from important insect pests augmentative biological control can be a relevant option to consider, in fact this seems to be the case for the cabbage stem flea beetles and even the pollen beetle.
Laboratory feeding studies conducted at Aarhus University indicated that the Atheta (Dalotia coraria) rove beetle, a native Danish species, will feed on eggs of cabbage stem flea beetles as well as on larvae stages of the pollen beetle.
Field trials (in 2021) accessing the possibility of augmentative biological control of the cabbage stem flea beetle (conducted by Ecobotix, EWH BioProduction and Velas) later indicated that the Atheta rove beetle when reared and later released in the field can in fact play an important role in reducing damage from the cabbage stem flea beetle. More work is presently required to firmly validate the results and to show also if there is in fact a similar possibility for augmentative biological control of the pollen beetle.
Maize/Corn
Maize/Corn
In recent decades, corn production has soared. Today, corn is grown on 180 million hectares worldwide with a production volume of approx. 1 billion tons to meet the increasing demand for corn-based animal feed and bio-diesel. Maize yield of Denmark increased from 48,105 hg per ha in 2010 to 72,178 hg per ha in 2014 growing at an average annual rate of 10.92 %.
The problem
The effect of arthropod pests on maize production is considerable, though quite variable from location to location. Data suggests that the potential level of pedts damage in maize is about 14–17% worldwide. Unsprayed corn fields host an army of beneficial arthropods, a valuable free source of natural pest control best nurtured, but all too easily and often destroyed by harsh pesticide regimens. Corn earworms, armyworms, aphids and other pests pose major problems on corn in diversified organic farms where the indigenous pest-fighting natural enemies are preserved.
Damage pests
At present, the most important arthropod pest of maize in Europe is the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis. In the infested areas, O. nubilalis occurs in a large proportion in the fields and estimated yield losses between 5% and 30% are typical without control measures. Corn rootworm larvae feed on the roots and base of the stem. They disrupt water and nutrient uptake, and cause plants to lodge (fall over), making harvest difficult. Adults also feed on foliage and silks, sometimes interfering with pollination, but this generally is not very important.
Horticulture
Crops
Strawberries
Strawberries
Strawberries are among the most challenging horticultural crops to grow due to the multitude and complexity of pest issues that growers must manage. In Denmark, Strawberries are considered the most important berry crop for fresh consumption.
The problem
Insects can attack plants during flowering, fruit formation or just before harvest of the plump. Chemical usage, particularly for insects, mites, and disease control, has been a critical component in maintaining crop yield but the quality standards failed due to the poison that still remains in the berries.
Damage pests
Spider Mite not a spider, but a tiny mite, sucks the juices from the leaves causing them to develop yellow and reddish-brown spots. Leaves die and drop. Underside of leaf appears to be dusted with white powder two-spotted mites are considered a major insect pest of strawberries. They are sap sucking insects that feed on the underside of leaves. The first signs of damage are speckling and mottling on the surface of leaves. In heavy infestations, leaves turn purple, with white webbing between leaves. Aphids are the size of a pinhead and vary in color depending on the species. Cluster on stems and under leaves, sucking plant juices. Leaves then curl, thicken, yellow and die. Produce large amounts of a liquid waste called “honeydew”. Aphid sticky residue becomes growth media for sooty mold. Aphids are considered a minor pest but can infest strawberries at any time and rapidly build-up in numbers. Aphids are sap sucking insects found on the underside of leaves and around flower buds. Sooty mold, caused by honeydew excreted by aphids, can spoil fruit and make picking difficult. Strawberry bud weevils are a problem in early spring when the adults emerge from overwintering. They use their snouts to puncture the strawberry flower buds and feed on the pollen. Then the females lay a single leg in each bud and girdle the bud to prevent it from opening. This protects their larvae but also destroys any chance of that blossom becoming a berry.
Apples and Pears
Apples and Pears
Pest control in fruit orchards was based on broad- spectrum pesticides which were associated with a diversity of problems, traditionally including environmental effects, beneficial organism extinction, and pesticide resistance. More recently, other potential negative effects caused by the use of pesticides in agriculture have drowned the attention of the public and policy makers: the threat toward the pesticide applicators and bystanders’ health and the food safety endangered by pesticide residues.
The problem
In apple and pear production, particularly, the presence of arthropod pests cause several serious diseases, and high cosmetic standards for fresh fruit market. Unlike some crop pests, insect pests of apples are not always immediately evident until it is too late and major damage has been done to the resulting harvest. To maintain healthy trees with optimal production, not only do you need to recognize what insects to look for, but also understand their biology and combine this knowledge with appropriate preventive measures and controls as needed.
Damage pests
Unfortunately, there are numerous pests of apples and pears just a few of which are: Round headed apple tree borer, Apple maggot, Codling moth, Plum curculio, San Jose scale. For example, Apple maggot flies lay eggs in developing fruit in June or July. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into the apples. Codling moths hatch within days and the larvae tunnel into the apples to feed and mature, killing the fruit.
Flowers
Flowers
The problem
Damage pests
There are many kinds of damaging pests that can cause damage or even destruction of flowers or ornamental plans.
The most typically occurring pests are:
Thrips (Thysanoptera)
These are slender, minute (mostly 1 mm long or less) insects with fringed wings. Different thrips species feed mostly on plants by puncturing and sucking up the contents. A few thrips species serve as vectors for over 20 viruses that cause plant disease, especially the Tospoviruses. In the right conditions, such as in greenhouses, thrips species can exponentially increase in population size and form large swarms because of a lack of natural predators coupled with the ability of thrips to reproduce asexually, making them destructive to crops.
Aphids (Aphididae)
Aphids are small sap-sucking insects. Depending on the species aphids can occur in different colors such as black, green and white species. Maturing rapidly, females breed profusely enabling that the number of aphids multiplies quickly. Winged females may develop later in the season, allowing the insects to colonize new plants. Aphids are among the most destructive insect pests on cultivated plants in temperate regions. In addition to weakening the plant by sucking sap, they act as vectors for plant viruses and disfigure ornamental plants with deposits of honeydew and the subsequent growth of sooty moulds.
Spider mites (Tetranychidae)
These can attack more than 200 different plants, which includes a variety of flowers, berry bushes, vegetable plants, trees and fruit trees. Spider: All spider mites – both females and males – spin a fine spider on the plants they infest (hence their name). The web holds the mites’ eggs and helps the mites to move between different plants and plant parts. Spider mites have needle-like mouth parts that are used to penetrate the plant tissue and absorb nutrients. When spider mites attack a plant, its leaves turn gray or yellowish. When the damage to the plant is advanced, “dead spots” appear on the leaves (that is areas where the plant tissue is completely dead). A plant can lose all its leaves if the mites are not controlled. Flower damage: When spider mites attack open flowers, it causes a browning and withering of the petals.
White flies (Aleyrodidae)
Although several species of whitefly may cause some crop losses simply by sucking sap when they are very numerous, the major harm they do is indirect. Firstly, like many other sap-sucking Hemiptera, they secrete large amounts of honeydew that support unsightly or harmful infestations of sooty mold. Secondly, they inject saliva that may harm the plant more than either the mechanical damage of feeding or the growth of the fungi. However, by far their major importance as crop pests is their transmission of diseases of plants. Examples of transmitted viruses are: African cassava mosaic, bean golden mosaic, bean dwarf mosaic, bean calico mosaic, tomato yellow leaf curl, tomato mottle, and other types of Begomoviruses, transmitted by the white fly species Bemisia tabaci.
Fungus gnats (Bradysia spp.)
These are major insect pests of greenhouse production systems (aka. Sciarid flies) feeding on a wide range of horticultural crops. Fungus gnats, in general, are ubiquitous in greenhouses but are primarily a problem under conditions of excessive moisture, which commonly occurs during propagation when cuttings and plugs are developing root systems. The larval stage, which resides within the growing medium, feeds mainly on decaying plant material and fungi, however, they will also feed on healthy plant roots and tunnel into stems of young cuttings and seedlings, and the crowns of mature plants. Therefore, the larvae are primarily responsible for causing direct plant damage by feeding on the roots, thus interfering with the ability of plants to uptake water and nutrients, which results in wilting and stunted growth. Fungus gnat (2-8 mm) adults are mainly a nuisance (flying into human faces, eyes, and noses) but causing minimal direct plant damage, nevertheless indirectly they may carry diseases such as pythium (which causes “damping-off” to kill seedlings) on their feet.
Damage threshold
An economic threshold is the level of infestation (pest insect density) at which lost yield (due to feeding/insect pest damage) exceeds the cost of the treatment. Today most Danish growers of flowers or other ornamental plants (both organic and conventional) rely on augmentative biological control. Oftentimes the principle applied is inundative biological control where natural enemies are periodically released (weekly) into the crop as a preventive measure. Curative treatments at relatively higher treatment doses can be prescribed wherever pests have been localized to appear in high numbers (such as in aphid colonies).
Examples of natural enemies
- Predatory mites (such as Neoseiulus, Phytoseilus and Hypoaspis spp.)
- Rove beetles (Dalotia coraria)
- Pirate bigs (Orius spp.)
- Gal midge (Ahidoletes aphidimyza)
- Lacewings (Crysoperla carnea)
- Ladybugs (Adalia bipunctata)
Horticulture
Crops
Strawberries
Strawberries
Strawberries are among the most challenging horticultural crops to grow due to the multitude and complexity of pest issues that growers must manage. In Denmark, Strawberries are considered the most important berry crop for fresh consumption.
The problem
Insects can attack plants during flowering, fruit formation or just before harvest of the plump. Chemical usage, particularly for insects, mites, and disease control, has been a critical component in maintaining crop yield but the quality standards failed due to the poison that still remains in the berries.
Damage pests
Spider Mite not a spider, but a tiny mite, sucks the juices from the leaves causing them to develop yellow and reddish-brown spots. Leaves die and drop. Underside of leaf appears to be dusted with white powder two-spotted mites are considered a major insect pest of strawberries. They are sap sucking insects that feed on the underside of leaves. The first signs of damage are speckling and mottling on the surface of leaves. In heavy infestations, leaves turn purple, with white webbing between leaves. Aphids are the size of a pinhead and vary in color depending on the species. Cluster on stems and under leaves, sucking plant juices. Leaves then curl, thicken, yellow and die. Produce large amounts of a liquid waste called “honeydew”. Aphid sticky residue becomes growth media for sooty mold. Aphids are considered a minor pest but can infest strawberries at any time and rapidly build-up in numbers. Aphids are sap sucking insects found on the underside of leaves and around flower buds. Sooty mold, caused by honeydew excreted by aphids, can spoil fruit and make picking difficult. Strawberry bud weevils are a problem in early spring when the adults emerge from overwintering. They use their snouts to puncture the strawberry flower buds and feed on the pollen. Then the females lay a single leg in each bud and girdle the bud to prevent it from opening. This protects their larvae but also destroys any chance of that blossom becoming a berry.
Apples and Pears
Apples and Pears
Pest control in fruit orchards was based on broad- spectrum pesticides which were associated with a diversity of problems, traditionally including environmental effects, beneficial organism extinction, and pesticide resistance. More recently, other potential negative effects caused by the use of pesticides in agriculture have drowned the attention of the public and policy makers: the threat toward the pesticide applicators and bystanders’ health and the food safety endangered by pesticide residues.
The problem
In apple and pear production, particularly, the presence of arthropod pests cause several serious diseases, and high cosmetic standards for fresh fruit market. Unlike some crop pests, insect pests of apples are not always immediately evident until it is too late and major damage has been done to the resulting harvest. To maintain healthy trees with optimal production, not only do you need to recognize what insects to look for, but also understand their biology and combine this knowledge with appropriate preventive measures and controls as needed.
Damage pests
Unfortunately, there are numerous pests of apples and pears just a few of which are: Round headed apple tree borer, Apple maggot, Codling moth, Plum curculio, San Jose scale. For example, Apple maggot flies lay eggs in developing fruit in June or July. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into the apples. Codling moths hatch within days and the larvae tunnel into the apples to feed and mature, killing the fruit.
Flowers
Flowers
The problem
Damage pests
There are many kinds of damaging pests that can cause damage or even destruction of flowers or ornamental plans.
The most typically occurring pests are:
Thrips (Thysanoptera)
These are slender, minute (mostly 1 mm long or less) insects with fringed wings. Different thrips species feed mostly on plants by puncturing and sucking up the contents. A few thrips species serve as vectors for over 20 viruses that cause plant disease, especially the Tospoviruses. In the right conditions, such as in greenhouses, thrips species can exponentially increase in population size and form large swarms because of a lack of natural predators coupled with the ability of thrips to reproduce asexually, making them destructive to crops.
Aphids (Aphididae)
Aphids are small sap-sucking insects. Depending on the species aphids can occur in different colors such as black, green and white species. Maturing rapidly, females breed profusely enabling that the number of aphids multiplies quickly. Winged females may develop later in the season, allowing the insects to colonize new plants. Aphids are among the most destructive insect pests on cultivated plants in temperate regions. In addition to weakening the plant by sucking sap, they act as vectors for plant viruses and disfigure ornamental plants with deposits of honeydew and the subsequent growth of sooty moulds.
Spider mites (Tetranychidae)
These can attack more than 200 different plants, which includes a variety of flowers, berry bushes, vegetable plants, trees and fruit trees. Spider: All spider mites – both females and males – spin a fine spider on the plants they infest (hence their name). The web holds the mites’ eggs and helps the mites to move between different plants and plant parts. Spider mites have needle-like mouth parts that are used to penetrate the plant tissue and absorb nutrients. When spider mites attack a plant, its leaves turn gray or yellowish. When the damage to the plant is advanced, “dead spots” appear on the leaves (that is areas where the plant tissue is completely dead). A plant can lose all its leaves if the mites are not controlled. Flower damage: When spider mites attack open flowers, it causes a browning and withering of the petals.
White flies (Aleyrodidae)
Although several species of whitefly may cause some crop losses simply by sucking sap when they are very numerous, the major harm they do is indirect. Firstly, like many other sap-sucking Hemiptera, they secrete large amounts of honeydew that support unsightly or harmful infestations of sooty mold. Secondly, they inject saliva that may harm the plant more than either the mechanical damage of feeding or the growth of the fungi. However, by far their major importance as crop pests is their transmission of diseases of plants. Examples of transmitted viruses are: African cassava mosaic, bean golden mosaic, bean dwarf mosaic, bean calico mosaic, tomato yellow leaf curl, tomato mottle, and other types of Begomoviruses, transmitted by the white fly species Bemisia tabaci.
Fungus gnats (Bradysia spp.)
These are major insect pests of greenhouse production systems (aka. Sciarid flies) feeding on a wide range of horticultural crops. Fungus gnats, in general, are ubiquitous in greenhouses but are primarily a problem under conditions of excessive moisture, which commonly occurs during propagation when cuttings and plugs are developing root systems. The larval stage, which resides within the growing medium, feeds mainly on decaying plant material and fungi, however, they will also feed on healthy plant roots and tunnel into stems of young cuttings and seedlings, and the crowns of mature plants. Therefore, the larvae are primarily responsible for causing direct plant damage by feeding on the roots, thus interfering with the ability of plants to uptake water and nutrients, which results in wilting and stunted growth. Fungus gnat (2-8 mm) adults are mainly a nuisance (flying into human faces, eyes, and noses) but causing minimal direct plant damage, nevertheless indirectly they may carry diseases such as pythium (which causes “damping-off” to kill seedlings) on their feet.
Damage threshold
An economic threshold is the level of infestation (pest insect density) at which lost yield (due to feeding/insect pest damage) exceeds the cost of the treatment. Today most Danish growers of flowers or other ornamental plants (both organic and conventional) rely on augmentative biological control. Oftentimes the principle applied is inundative biological control where natural enemies are periodically released (weekly) into the crop as a preventive measure. Curative treatments at relatively higher treatment doses can be prescribed wherever pests have been localized to appear in high numbers (such as in aphid colonies).
Examples of natural enemies
- Predatory mites (such as Neoseiulus, Phytoseilus and Hypoaspis spp.)
- Rove beetles (Dalotia coraria)
- Pirate bigs (Orius spp.)
- Gal midge (Ahidoletes aphidimyza)
- Lacewings (Crysoperla carnea)
- Ladybugs (Adalia bipunctata)
What Others Are Saying About Us
”We have been helpful to Ecobotix in allowing them to conduct a practical test in our greenhouses. Ecobotix´s test ran in a separate greenhouse same time as we ran our normal program in a similar greenhouse. It is evident that Ecobotix dispensers distribute the material more evenly than what we would normally achieve. We have succeeded avoiding chemical spraying but only employing biological control in the period. For this result we are very content.”
Jacob M. B. Andersen,
Owner and Chief Operational Officer at Thoruplund
”Our experience is that Ecobotix equipment is more gentle and delivers an even release (fx of our predatory mites). At the same the equipment has the potential to benefit the working environment and the level of automation of the greenhouse.”
Erik W. Hansen, Founder and owner of EWH BioProduction
(Danish producer of beneficial agents)
What Others Are Saying About Us
”We have been helpful to Ecobotix in allowing them to conduct a practical test in our greenhouses. Ecobotix´s test ran in a separate greenhouse same time as we ran our normal program in a similar greenhouse. It is evident that Ecobotix dispensers distribute the material more evenly than what we would normally achieve. We have succeeded avoiding chemical spraying but only employing biological control in the period. For this result we are very content.”
Jacob M. B. Andersen,
Owner and Chief Operational Officer at Thoruplund
”Our experience is that Ecobotix equipment is more gentle and delivers an even release (fx of our predatory mites). At the same the equipment has the potential to benefit the working environment and the level of automation of the greenhouse.”
Erik W. Hansen, Founder and owner of EWH BioProduction
(Danish producer of beneficial agents)
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