New solution in the fight against spider mites

In both vegetable and ornamental cultivation, growers face significant challenges due to the greenhouse spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). These pests feed on plant juices, leading to leaf discoloration, wilting, and reduced crop quality. In collaboration with Agrobío, Royal Brinkman introduces a new solution: PHYTOcontrol Plus—a white variant of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis. All life stages of the white Phytoseiulus are contained in a single tube or bottle, along with food. This ensures better population development, leading to faster and more effective control of greenhouse spider mites.

© Royal Brinkman

Always active predatory mites
Early detection and control of greenhouse spider mites are essential to prevent crop damage. Since these mites hide on the undersides of leaves, they often go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. Feeding on plant juices stunts plant growth and lowers yield quality. Biological control using Phytoseiulus persimilis, a natural enemy of spider mites, is a proven effective solution.

The key advantage of PHYTOcontrol Plus is that it includes all life stages of the predatory mite in one tube or bottle. This ensures a continuous presence of active predators, eliminating interruptions caused by generational changes. As a result, pressure on the spider mite population remains constant, leading to more effective and rapid pest control.

© Royal Brinkman

Visual indicator and intervention
With PHYTOcontrol Plus, growers benefit from stable, long-term crop protection. Additionally, the predatory mites turn a reddish hue after consuming spider mites, serving as a visual indicator of active control. These predatory mites can be introduced when the pest level is low, allowing early intervention before infestations escalate, thus minimizing crop damage. The improved effectiveness of the white Phytoseiulus leads to lower costs and higher yields for growers.

PHYTOcontrol Plus is available in 1-liter tubes containing 25,000 predatory mites and 500 ml bottles containing 4,000 predatory mites.

Application can be done manually or with the UniMite bio-distribution system. Since food is included in the tube, the predatory mites remain in place after opening, allowing for optimal distribution with UniMite. Furthermore, the white Phytoseiulus develops faster than spider mites, enabling quicker suppression of infestations.

© Royal Brinkman

"With the introduction of PHYTOcontrol Plus, Royal Brinkman, in collaboration with Agrobío, is taking another major step in developing new natural enemies. By harnessing the power of nature, we effectively combat pests such as greenhouse spider mites."