Montdorensis-Breeding-System – steady stream of predatory mites to combat whitefly and thrips
How does Montdorensis-System control thrips and whiteflies?
- Versatile predatory mite for preventative control – Transeius montdorensis provides effective control of thrips, greenhouse whitefly and tobacco whitefly. It also delivers a strong secondary effect against spider mites, broad mites and russet mites.
- Active and efficient predator – both larvae and adults actively search for prey. A single predatory mite consumes around 10 first-instar thrips larvae per day and also feeds on whitefly eggs and young larvae.
- Rapid population development – Montdorensis-System establishes faster than many other predatory mites and remains active across a wide temperature range. Because it does not enter diapause, it continues to perform well under low light conditions.
- Well adapted to challenging conditions – T. montdorensis performs exceptionally well in hot and dry conditions, while remaining active at lower temperatures than many other predatory mites.
- Perfect for IPM programmes – combine Montdorensis-System with Orius-System for thrips control and Encarsia-System or Eretmocerus-System for whitefly control to achieve even more effective biological pest management.
When should you introduce Montdorensis-System?
- Start preventatively – introduce Montdorensis-System when the crop starts flowering. With Nutrimite™, introductions can begin even earlier in the crop cycle.
- Prevent pest build-up – because the mites do not feed on adult thrips, early preventative releases provide the best results.
- Increase release rates in hotspots – apply higher release rates where pest populations are detected.
- Combine with other beneficials – complement the programme with Orius-System, Encarsia-System or Eretmocerus-System for complete control of thrips and whiteflies.
How do you release Montdorensis-System?
- Distribute the predatory mites evenly – apply the bulk material in small piles on horizontal leaves or hang the breeding sachets evenly throughout the crop.
- Use breeding sachets correctly – hang the sachets inside the crop canopy, protected from direct sunlight. Do not open or perforate the sachets.
- Boost the population – apply Nutrimite™ to stimulate faster population growth and maintain the predatory mite population during periods of low prey availability.
- Handle sachets carefully – always hold the sachets by the hook and avoid squeezing them to prevent damage to the mites.
Under which conditions should you use Montdorensis-System?
- Optimum performance between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F) – the predatory mite remains active above 11°C (52°F) and tolerates temperatures up to 45°C (113°F), although eggs and young stages are sensitive to extreme heat.
- Adequate humidity is essential – a relative humidity of more than 60% is required for successful egg hatch and population development.
- Monitor performance – the mites are small and difficult to observe, so monitor reductions in thrips and whitefly populations rather than the mites themselves.
- Ideal for integrated pest management – thanks to its rapid population growth, broad activity range and excellent performance under both warm and cooler conditions, Montdorensis-System is a valuable component of any IPM strategy.