At the Annual Biocontrol Industry Meeting (ABIM),in Basel, BioBee Sde Eliyahu Ltd. was presented the Bernard Blum award for BioBee’s slow-release sachets of the predatory mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis. The award is presented annually by the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA) for the most innovative biocontrol product of the year.
A true revolution in spider mite control
Spider mites are devastating pests around the globe, which attack hundreds of plant species in dozens of botanical families and known to be highly resistant to chemicals. The predatory mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis is the ultimate microbial natural enemy, a highly effective predator of two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) and related spider mites. P. persimilis has been used successfully in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs since the 1960’s. Since P. persimilis is prey specific, the traditional tritrophic rearing method, although successful has not supported the use of slow-release sachets.
Five years ago, BioBee embarked on a project to improve the production and implementation of Phytoseiulus persimilis . BioBee’s patented, groundbreaking rearing technology is based on an absolutely nonobvious achievement: successful development and reproduction of P. persimilis on alternative prey feed , which is by far different from its traditional well-known spider mite base feed. This technology has yielded the BioPersi+ (an improved version of P. persimilis) and the new application method: Slow-release sachets.
The ability to avail P. persimilis with alternative feed within the sachet, makes the slow-release and preventive application of P. persimilis possible for the first time in commercial biological control.
An impressive addition to the IPM arsenal
The products, BioPersi+ Classic Sachet & BioPersi+ Speed Sachet are an additional weapon to the IPM arsenal that allows growers to implement the “standing army” approach. The product enables to apply P. persimilis preventively, increasing dramatically the chance to address and combat the pest before it arrives.
It’s the first time that P. persimilis can be applied preventively in a consistent manner with absolutely outstanding results. The BioPersi+ sachets contain at least 100 mites per sachet.
BioPersi+ Speed Sachet is recommended for hotspot treatments with a slow release of more than 100 mites/sachet for up to 5 days.
BioPersi+ Classic Sachet is recommended for preventive use with a slow release of more than 300 mites/sachet for up to 12 days.
The slow-release application of P. persimilis in a preventive manner will bestow growers with peace of mind and preparedness towards spider mite attack on their crops. Knowledge of the capabilities of the BioPersi+ sachets may open new opportunities and new markets for the biological control of spider mites worldwide.
Dreams do come true!
