Whitefly

moulds ( Cladosporium spp.) is encouraged. Such fruit is unsaleable. In serious cases the fruit will rot. Sooty moulds also develop on the leaves, reducing [...] the excess is excreted as honeydew, with larger larvae expelling large quantities. This can have the following consequences: If the population is very large [...] large, feeding on plant sap can affect the physiology of the plant, as a result of which growth is retarded. In full sunlight, leaves can wilt and drop.

Vine mealybug

ae, and is also known by the names Mediterranean vine mealybug and Grapevine mealybug. As the name indicates, this mealybug is mostly found on grapevines [...] grapevines, but also on figs and pomegranates. Damage symptoms Mealybugs inflict damage on the crop in various ways: Nymphs and females extract the sap from the [...] defoliation. The overall effect is a reduction of photosynthesis and therefore the yield. Flowers and fruit often drop off. Plant sap is rich in sugars, but low

Mealybugs and scales

mealybugs and scales is essential to maintain healthy and marketable crops. Biological control of mealybugs and scales relies on natural enemies and monitoring [...] scales feed mostly on leaves and twigs, causing discolouration of foliage, stunting, and in extreme cases eventual defoliation. However, it is mainly the great [...] of the sooty mould that grows on it. Ants are also attracted by the honeydew. In fact, the honeydew with its sooty mould is usually the first sign of the

Flies

indirectly. The type of damage depends on the species of the flies. Direct damage is the immediate result of larvae feeding on root hairs and tender roots as well [...] Frass deposited on leaves or flowers in ornamental crops, lettuce, and herbs also causes cosmetic damage, and sometimes this can occur on such a scale that [...] growing media, while adults can cause contamination. Effective fly control is essential to maintain healthy and high-quality crops. Biological control of

Fall Armyworm

host plant, depending on the crop, the stage of crop development, and the age of the larvae. On maize, young larvae usually feed on leaves, creating a c [...] General The fall armyworm is a polyphagous pest that is indigenous throughout the Americas. Recently, it has been found in Africa too. The caterpillars [...] They have a distinct white inverted Y-shaped mark on the front of the head and four large spots on the upper surface of the last segment. Pupae are reddish

Spidex Vital lives up to its promises

‘As the old crop is always cleared away, I start from scratch each time and have to build up the necessary populations three times. This is always a critical [...] tense moment on cucumber farms like mine. And as spider mites can cause real problems in this type of crop, an even better beneficial is always welcome [...] population develops more rapidly.’ A sense of calm on the farm The increased effectiveness of Spidex Vital is a major advantage for Sjaak van Dijk. ‘As already

Mediterranean fruit fly

adult Mediterranean fruit fly is about 4-5 mm long. It has bright emerald green eyes suffused with reddish brown. The thorax is black suffused with greyish [...] white, becoming a dirty cream-white on completion of feeding. They have prominent black mouth hooks. The puparium is 4-5 mm long, yellowish brown to reddish [...] fruit fly ( Ceratitis capitata ) is widespread in Africa, the Mediterranean basin and South America. Ceratitis capitata is a highly polyphagous species whose

Cotton bollworm

individually on young shoots near buds, flowers, fruits or on leaves. They are almost spherical with a flattened base and a diameter of about 0.5 mm. They [...] fruit crops. Among greenhouse crops, tomato is particularly affected. Damage symptoms First instar larvae feed on soft leaves, creating small holes. When they [...] to reddish-brown with dark spots. In later instars the head is mottled, and the body is marked with three prominent longitudinal dark bands with numerous

Aphytis melinus

of the parasitic wasp is greatest around 25ºC. The lower temperature limit for its development is 13ºC and the upper limit is 38ºC. Behaviour of the parasitic [...] Aphytis melinus Aphytis melinus is a species of parasitic wasp belonging to the family Aphelinidae . This tiny wasp is widely recognized for its role in [...] hatched larvae feeding on and ultimately killing the host insects. Life cycle and appearance of Aphytis melinus Aphytis melinus is an ectoparasite: the female

Anagyrus vladimiri

sexual dimorphism: the female is about 1.5-2 mm in length and brown, with distinctive black and white banded antennae. The male is 0.8 mm in length and black [...] Anagyrus vladimiri Anagyrus vladimiri is a parasitic wasp belonging to the Encyrtidae family. This parasitic wasp is particularly effective for mealybug [...] products for advice on the best strategy for your situation. Best conditions for Anagyrus vladimiri The parasitic wasp Anagyrus vladimiri is most effective