Delphastus 1000 pcs Agriprotect

The predatory beetle Delphastus catalinae is an effective whitefly control agent and is known as a “great cleaner.”

Target pests: Greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum), tobacco whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). Also affects eggs and larval stages of thrips and aphids.

An adult female lays 50 to 75 eggs, which are very small and barely visible to the naked eye. The life cycle lasts 7 to 8 weeks, with the last 4 weeks as an adult. Adults measure 1.5 to 2 mm in size.

The beetles bite their prey and then suck them empty. Presence of shed skins on leaves indicates active beetles. Yellow droppings are also a sign of activity.

Both larvae and adults are active predators of all whitefly stages but prefer young stages. For effective population build-up, sufficient food must be available in the crop: more than 10,000 whitefly eggs or 700 larvae.

Adults can survive cold periods reasonably well. Optimal development temperatures range between 18°C and 30°C. Below 18°C, reproduction slows down.

Application:

• For hotspot control, apply 75–100 units per square meter.

• Higher rates may be needed in some fruit crops (due to leaf hairs); consult your advisor!

• Shelf life is 1 to 2 days if bottles are stored lying down, in the dark, at 12°C–14°C, and with good ventilation.

• Shake the bottle before use.

• Release in the morning or evening.