Using predatory mites to keep crops safe

Growing up in the fields of San Quintín, Baja California, Fernando Rodríguez Borrego was immersed in the world of agriculture. His family, pioneers in strawberry cultivation in the region, instilled in him from the value of hard work, but also warned him about the challenges of the industry. Despite the difficulties faced by producers, Fernando decided to study agronomy, convinced that innovation could offer solutions to the sector's problems.

Throughout his professional career, he worked in various agricultural companies, identifying the limitations of conventional pest control methods. In 2016, with a clear vision of sustainability and efficiency, he founded his own organic berry production company in Jalisco. From the beginning, Fernando committed to a biological control approach. "My goal was always to create an organic and sustainable production system, and Koppert became a key partner in achieving that," he says.

A strategic partnership
Fernando first encountered Koppert in his early years as a producer when he began exploring innovative pest management solutions for his crops. His first interaction with the company was through bumblebees for pollination, a strategy that revolutionized his approach to crop productivity. However, his true transformation occurred when he discovered the potential of predatory mites for pest control.

"When I first heard about biological control with predatory mites, I had many doubts. I didn't know how they worked, how effective they were, or how to integrate them into my production system," recalls Fernando. It was thanks to Koppert's guidance and technical support that he was able to efficiently implement the use of these beneficial organisms. "The Koppert team helped me understand the life cycles of the predatory mites, the optimal times to release them, and how to combine them with other biological strategies. It was a continuous learning process, but the results spoke for themselves," he adds.

Today, Fernando not only uses Koppert products in his crops but is also an active advocate for biological control in the agricultural community. His experience has served as a testament to other producers seeking sustainable and profitable pest management alternatives.

The fight against spider mites
One of the biggest challenges he faced was managing red spider mites, an especially aggressive pest in strawberry and blackberry crops. Conventional treatments with chemical products were not only costly and inefficient but also created resistance in pests and negatively impacted agricultural biodiversity. In his search for alternatives, Fernando discovered the power of predatory mites—beneficial organisms capable of effectively controlling pest populations.

"At first, we made mistakes, such as improper predatory mite application or inadequate monitoring, but over time we refined the strategy and achieved impressive results" explains Fernando. Thanks to precise management and continuous monitoring, his crops began to show significant improvements in health and productivity. "The difference compared to conventional systems was evident. While other producers suffered major losses, we maintained healthy fields and consistent yields," he adds.

Finding success through an ecological balance
Fernando emphasizes that the key to success in biological control lies in understanding ecological balance and adapting to the dynamics of pests and their natural predators. "One of the most fascinating aspects of predatory mites is their adaptability. When the pest population decreases, they adjust their behavior and can feed on other sources like pollen, allowing them to remain in the ecosystem and quickly respond to future outbreaks," he notes. This natural regulation capability is a fundamental advantage over chemical insecticides, which require constant applications and can create imbalances in the environment.

The impact of implementing biological control not only transformed Fernando's production but also sparked interest among other farmers in the region. "Many colleagues began noticing the system's effectiveness and wanted to try it in their crops. Some successfully made the transition, but others abandoned it because they didn't understand that biological control is not an instant solution, but a process that requires patience and knowledge," he says.

The biggest challenge for producers adopting this model is overcoming the traditional mindset of immediate pest eradication. "In conventional agriculture, a chemical product is expected to eliminate the problem instantly. In contrast, biological control works progressively, allowing predators to establish themselves and regulate pest populations naturally," he explains. Although challenging, this transition offers long-term benefits such as reduced input costs, biodiversity conservation, and improved crop quality.

Moving towards sustainable agriculture
Over the years, Fernando has continued to refine his biological management system, integrating technology and innovative methodologies to optimize results. His experience demonstrates that sustainable agriculture is both viable and highly effective. "The greatest satisfaction is reaching the end of the season and seeing vigorous, productive fields, while conventional crops often end up exhausted due to excessive chemical use. Knowing that I am contributing to a more responsible and sustainable production model confirms that I made the right choice," he concludes.

Fernando Rodríguez's testimony highlights the importance of innovation and sustainability in modern agriculture. His story shows that with commitment and a science-based approach, it is possible to transform the way we cultivate our food, promoting an ecological balance that benefits both producers and the environment. His journey very much aligns with Koppert's legacy of innovation and commitment, inspiring both companies to continuously look ahead and strive for ongoing improvement.