Propylea-System is Biobest's latest weapon in the battle against aphids. This generalist predator feeds on the most common aphid species and can be used preventively and curatively. This ladybird will be on sale to growers in the Netherlands and Belgium from February.
Eggplants (aubergines) and sweet peppers suffer heavily from aphid infestations. As increasing numbers of chemical crop protection products are banned, the demand for biological solutions is growing. Propylea-System is a valuable addition to the existing range of natural predators.
Propylea quatuordecimpunctata (14-spotted ladybird) is a 4-6 mm large predatory beetle. Its yellow wing covers with black spots make it easy to distinguish from other species.
Preventive and curative
“It controls aphids highly effectively”, says Ines De Craecker, Product Manager Beneficial Insects at Biobest. “The huge advantage of this ladybird is its good predatory performance when released in both high and low densities. This predator also remains active at temperatures between 15 and 35°C."
Propylea-System can be released as a preventive measure at the first sign of aphids or an expected infestation. Because the predator feeds on pollen as well as aphids, the population is sustained and is constantly on 'stand-by' to attack. This predatory beetle is also ideal for a curative approach to pest control. De Craecker: “Once released near a hotspot, Propylea will immediately attack and kill any aphids.”
Biodegradable packaging
Propylea-System is supplied in a 100% biodegradable cardboard cup containing 250 adults. The honeycomb paper carrier inside helps to protect the ladybirds, while a gel formulation provides water during transport. This ensures an optimal condition of the predatory beetles on arrival which improves the quality of the product and ultimately the effectiveness of control.
Crop Protection Specialist Marvin Koot advises releasing the ladybirds by moving slowly through the crop rows with the cup open. "This will gradually release the ladybirds in phases so the individuals can then spread through the crop. With a localised infestation, place the cup as close as possible to the centre of the aphid hotspot."
The biodegradable packaging can simply be left in the crop which reduces the amount of waste growers have to process.
Strong link in mix of control methods
Biobest's many years of experience with large-scale breeding of beneficial predators has resulted in high-quality products. One example is the Propylea-System. “Trials have revealed that our ladybirds are remarkably robust and strong.”
In addition, Propylea-System is perfectly compatible with and complements existing biological solutions for aphid control. Growers can achieve optimal results in biological aphid control by combining Propylea with predatory wasps such as Aphidius-System and Ervi-System, and other predators such as Chrysopa-(E)-System and Aphidoletes-System.