Nesidiocoris tenuis
Nesidiocoris tenuis is used for biological control of whitefly, thrips and tomato leaf miner ( Tuta absoluta ).
Nesidiocoris tenuis is a predatory bug belonging to the Miridae (order Heteroptera) family. Adult and nymphs eat white flies, thrips, red spider and Lepidoptera eggs. Adult and nymphs have piercing-sucking mouthparts, this species bites the prey and sucks the content.
Packaging
500 ml bottle, containing 500 adults and late instar nymphs, dispersed in vermiculite.
Ephestia kuehniella eggs were added into plastic bottles as a food source for predators.
Recommended dose
When the pest density is low, release between 0.5 to 1 ind/m2
When the pest density is high, release 5 ind/m2
Crops
Nesidiocoris tenuis is recommended for use on tomato and eggplant (aubergine) crops. In spring-summer the development is most suitable, in autumn it slows down. In winter condition it can be used in heated greenhouses.Nesidiocoris tenuis can damage the crops in case of lack or scant of preys. Therefore it is necessary to monitor the predator/prey ratio at regular intervals.
Use
PreferablyNesidiocoris tenuis should be applied to young plants in the nursery about one week prior to planting out into greenhouses. If this isn't able to be done then insects release as soon as possible after planting young plants. One release is generally enough to establish predatorNesidiocoris tenuis for the lifespan of the crop. When pest level is high, additional release may be required.
Before opening the bottle, set it horizontally and rotate to mix the content. Open the bottle and walk along the plant rows, gently shaking and spread it over the leaves. 10-20mL of bottle contents per release point is recommended. Leave the packaging at the base of a plant to allow any remaining adults to leave. ReleaseNesidiocoris tenuis as uniformly as possible throughout the crop.
When pest levels are initially low it is suggested to first apply frozenEphestia kuehniella eggs over the crop to giveNesidiocoris tenuis a food source and improve initial establishment. Releases should ideally occur in low light conditions, preferably early morning or late evening to avoid adults flying directly to the vents.
Handling and Storage
Keep the bottle horizontally and at a temperature of 8-10ºC.
After the bottle is received, it should be released as soon as possible.
Predator may be stored for one day. Bottles should be laid on their side.
The cold chain should be in all the transport and storage process.
Keep out of direct sunlight.