Orius laevigatus for thrips control
Orius laevigatus is a small yet highly effective predatory bug used in biological pest control of thrips. This beneficial insect has been extensively integrated into pest management strategies in various agricultural and horticultural systems. Both adults and nymphs of Orius laevigatus are voracious predators, adept at piercing and feeding on the soft bodies of their prey.
The predatory bug Orius laevigatus is used for the control of the following pests:
The natural enemy Orius laevigatus is available at Koppert as Thripor-L.
How to use Orius laevigatus
The predatory bug Orius laevigatus is available in a bottle (Thripor-L)
- Shake bottle gently before use
- Spread material on clean rock wool slabs, leaves and/or in application boxes (Dibox)
- Apply in groups of at least 50 insects in order to establish a population and encourage mating
- Make sure the material remains undisturbed at the introduction site for a few hours after application
The dosage of Thripor-L depends on climate, crop and thrips density and should always be adjusted to the particular situation. Start introduction as soon as the first thrips are detected in the crop. Introduction rates typically range from 0.5-10 per m2/release. Releases should be repeated once or twice. Consult a Koppert advisor or a recognized distributor of Koppert products for advice on the best strategy for your situation.
Orius laevigatus products
Best conditions for use of Orius laevigatus
Optimal temperatures for Thripor-L are above 20°C (68°F), lower temperatures slow down the development of Orius laevigatus significantly. Effectivity is reduced at temperatures above 30°C (86°F).
Feeding behaviour of Orius laevigatus
Orius laevigatus is a predator feeding on thrips. The prey is pierced with the mouthparts and the body contents are consumed. All stages of thrips are preyed on. Orius laevigatus nymphs kill approximately 54 second instar Frankliniella occidentalis nymphs during their development (four per day on average). Adult females can kill up to 20 nymphs or six to seven adults per day. They are also cannibalistic. In pollen producing plants, younger Orius nymphs are mainly found on the leaves, whereas older nymphs and adults are mainly found in flowers.
Life cycle of Orius laevigatus
You can recognize the different life stages of the predatory bug Orius laevigatus when using this biocontrol agent by observing their unique characteristics at each stage:
-
Egg stage: Orius laevigatus eggs are small, around 0.4 mm long, oval-shaped, and usually laid singly within plant tissues such as leaves, stems, or flowers. They are typically white or translucent and are difficult to see without close inspection.
-
Nymphal stage: Orius laevigatus nymphs are the primary predatory stage. They resemble smaller versions of the adults but lack fully developed wings. Nymphs are yellow initially, turning darker (orange to brown) as they mature. They have piercing-sucking mouthparts with which they feed on thrips and other small insects.
-
Adult stage: Adult Orius laevigatus are small, elongated insects, about 1.4-2.4 millimeters in length. They have a black or dark brown body with white markings on their wings. The wings lie flat over their backs when at rest, displaying a characteristic black and white pattern. Adults are active predators, feeding on thrips. They also consume pollen and plant juices, which can supplement their diet when prey is scarce.
By regularly inspecting plants and noting the presence of these life stages, growers can effectively monitor the population dynamics of Orius laevigatus and assess their impact on pest control. Recognizing these stages helps in understanding their establishment and effectiveness in the biocontrol program.