Cucumeris-System – voracious predators target thrips
How does ABS-System control thrips?
- Preventative thrips control – Amblyseius cucumeris mainly feeds on first instar thrips larvae, stopping infestations before they can develop.
- Versatile predatory mite – besides thrips larvae, it also feeds on spider mites and other pest mites.
- Remains active without prey – thanks to pollen as an alternative food source, the predatory mite can survive when prey levels are temporarily low.
- Continuous population build-up – each breeding sachet contains approximately 1,000 predatory mites and releases around 5,000 predatory mites over a period of 6 weeks, ensuring long-lasting protection.
- Ideal for IPM programmes – combines perfectly with Orius-System and other beneficials to control older thrips stages.
When should you introduce ABS-System?
- Start when flowering begins – introduce ABS-System as soon as the crop starts flowering.
- Prevent thrips before they establish – early preventative releases provide the best results, before thrips become established.
- Suitable for whole-crop protection – distribute the breeding sachets evenly throughout the crop to establish a uniform population of predatory mites.
- Strengthen control when needed – complement the programme with Orius-System and other Biobest solutions when older thrips stages are present.
How do you release ABS-System?
- Hang the sachets throughout the crop – distribute the breeding sachets evenly throughout the crop canopy and protect them from direct sunlight.
- Do not damage the sachets – handle them by the cardboard hook. Do not squeeze, perforate or tear them open. The predatory mites will leave the sachet naturally through the existing exit hole.
- Replace sachets regularly – replace the breeding sachets every 4 to 6 weeks to ensure a continuous release of predatory mites.
- Position them correctly – hang the sachets freely within the crop canopy to allow the predatory mites to disperse easily throughout the crop.
Under which conditions should you use ABS-System?
- Suitable for year-round use – Amblyseius cucumeris does not enter diapause and therefore remains active throughout the year in greenhouse crops.
- Relative humidity above 65% – adequate humidity is essential for egg hatch and to prevent the breeding sachets from drying out.
- At least a few hours above 20°C (68°F) – the predatory mites require temperatures above 20°C (68°F) for several hours each day to become active and feed.
- Faster establishment in pollen-bearing crops – populations establish more quickly when pollen and sufficient prey are available.