Product description
Macrolophus pygmeus (formerly described as caliginosus), a Mirid bug, is a highly mobile predator used to prevent whitefly populations building up in tomato and aubergine crops. This predator attacks Bemisia sp. as well as Trialeurodes sp. whitefly. All stages eat whitefly and it should be released early for good establishment. The packaging is designed to maintain optimum conditions during transport by providing humidity, food and shelter for the 250 or 500 insects inside. It also allows quick visual assessments of quality by the end user.
Predatory Bug
- Ventilated container
- Humidity and nutrition provided
- Protein food source for optimal condition
- Wood flakes for ideal predator mobility and easy application to the crop
- Also available as wingless nymphs for hot spot treatments
Used for
| Whitefly, Glasshouse (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) |
Tomato |
| Whitefly, Tobacco or Silverleaf Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) |
Aubergine |
| South American Tomato Leaf Miner (Tuta absoluta) |
Pepper |
| Caterpillars (Lepidoptera spp) |
|
General Information
Macrolophus was originally collected in Southern France and was commercially reared in the early 1990’s. It is only permitted for release in certain European countries and may need a licence before use.
How to use Macroline p
Use at the rate of 0.25-1.0 Macrolophus per m² as a single introduction or as a split introduction.
Close greenhouse doors and vents. Apply in the cool morning or evening. Avoid application in bright sunlight. Distribute the contents onto the leaves evenly throughout the crop, by gently shaking and rotating the bottle. Leave the containers in the crop for several hours, allowing any remaining insects to escape.
Important information
This predator may cause damage to small fruited tomato varieties at low pest populations.
Pyrethrum insecticides can be used to reduce Macrolophus populations in these circumstances (crop registration restrictions apply). Establishment of Macroline c on cucumbers and peppers can be poor.
Storage and transport
- Keep out of direct sunlight
- Transport at 6-10°C
- Use immediately or within 18 hours of receipt