Orius-System – an established cornerstone of thrips control strategies
How does Orius-System control thrips?
- Versatile pirate bug for effective thrips control – Orius laevigatus has been a proven biological control agent against thrips for more than 20 years. It also feeds on aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, moth eggs and Lygus nymphs.
- Highly voracious predator – both nymphs and adults attack thrips. A single nymph consumes up to 50 thrips larvae during its development, while an adult female can kill up to 20 thrips nymphs or 6 adult thrips per day.
- Ideal for preventative control – in pollen-bearing crops, Orius populations establish successfully and provide long-lasting protection by feeding on pollen when prey is scarce.
- Perfect for IPM programmes – combine Orius-System with Swirskii-System or Amblyseius-System for a complete biological strategy against thrips.
When should you introduce Orius-System?
- Start as soon as the first flowers open – in pollen-bearing crops, preventative introductions provide the best results.
- Act quickly when thrips appear – introduce Orius-System directly into hotspots and infested areas as soon as thrips are detected.
- Repeat releases when needed – multiple introductions help establish a stable population and improve long-term pest suppression.
- Also suitable for spot treatments – Orius-System can be used curatively in local hotspots, even in crops without pollen.
How do you release Orius-System?
- Distribute the pirate bugs evenly – release small groups of insects onto leaves, rockwool slabs or in Bio-Boxes, preferably in and around thrips hotspots.
- Use the product immediately after delivery – gently rotate the bottle or cup to ensure the insects are evenly distributed before release.
- Leave the packaging in the crop – the biodegradable cardboard cup can remain in the crop for a few days, allowing any remaining insects to emerge.
- Combine with predatory mites – for even more effective thrips control, combine Orius-System with Swirskii-System or Amblyseius-System.
Under which conditions should you use Orius-System?
- Optimum performance between 18°C and 25°C (64°F to 77°F) – Orius-System performs best at a relative humidity of around 70%. The minimum temperature for development is 15°C (59°F).
- Monitor performance – young nymphs become visible about one week after release. A well-established population can then be found in flowers and on leaves.
- Excellent establishment in flowering crops – thanks to pollen as an alternative food source, Orius-System remains active even when thrips populations are temporarily low.
- Ideal for integrated pest management – thanks to its broad prey range, high predation capacity and excellent compatibility with other beneficial insects, Orius-System is an essential component of any IPM strategy against thrips.