Biobest Group NV

Can plants distinguish between the substrate-borne vibrations generated by an antagonistic herbivore and a mutualistic predatory arthropod? When a plant perceives substrate-borne vibrations related to the presence of a mutualistic predatory arthropod, what is the importance of other cues relative to predator presence, such as exuviae or saliva? This is particularly relevant for omnivore predators that also feed on plants, for example, predatory true bugs or phytoseiid predatory mites.

Many sweet pepper growers control aphids for the first time without chemical pesticides. To optimize control, Biobest advisor Marvin Koot recommends growers combine different biological aphid control agents. “Aphids have risen a few places up the list of most challenging greenhouse pests,” says Marvin. “Aphid pressure tends to be constant and the sticky exudate produced necessitates growers having to wash harvested fruit.

Did you know, one of the world’s most widespread pests, red spider mite – Tetranychus urticae – can be found in all agriculturally important geographical areas? That tells us something about its polyphagous and cosmopolitan nature. “Commonly known as two-spotted spider mite (TSSM), it characteristically has two large dark spots on either side of its back,” explains Biobest’s IPM and pollination specialist David Abeijon.