Even when autumn arrives, aphids can continue to invade crops. To help keep this pest under control, Biobest adds a powerful new tool to the current range of aphid control products: Eupeodes-System. This new hover is very effective in summer conditions, but it also continues to feed on aphids when temperatures begin to drop.

Introduction from March to October

"Eupeodes corollae occurs naturally throughout Europe, from the Mediterranean to Northern Europe," says Ines De Craecker, Product Manager Beneficial Insects at Biobest. “Being a cold tolerant species, it remains just as active in autumn, when conditions are colder. While some beneficial insects need warmer temperatures to stay active, the Eupeodes-System continues to be effective - even if the greenhouse temperature drops to 10 ° C. With an optimal temperature range of 15 to 25 ° C, Eupeodes-System is recommended for releases from spring to autumn ".

Female Eupeodes corollae look for aphid colonies in which to lay their eggs - they can lay up to around 800 eggs per adult. These become larvae in 1 or 2 days and begin to feed on aphids, being able to ingest about 1,000 individuals in just 8-9 days. The only requirement for optimal control is that there is sufficient natural light. Adult hoverflies only feed on nectar and pollen, so the Eupeodes-System not only controls aphids, but can also contribute to pollination.

"Eupeodes is a generalist predator available exclusively from Biobest," adds Ines De Craecker. In addition to all the relevant aphid species in horticultural crops, this predator can also contribute to the control of whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci, Trialeurodes vaporarium), mealybugs, thrips and spider mites.

Furthermore, Eupeodes-System can be used in combination with other hoverflies, as well as with the parasitic wasp Aphidius-System and the mosquito Aphidoletes-System. This latest addition to our range for aphid control is an ideal complement for the control of aphid populations. "

Easy to introduce, Eupeodes-System is available in pots of 100 pupae, on a buckwheat and vermiculite substrate.

Do you want to know more? Contact your Biobest technician for personalized advice.