Revolutionizing Spider Mite Control: Entomatic™ Automated Dispenser Delivers Precision and Labour Savings
As the temperatures rise with the onset of spring, glasshouses face a common yet challenging pest—spider mites. These tiny pests can quickly become a significant threat to crops, especially when carried by dry winds through open vents and doors. However, a new solution is making a considerable difference in the fight against spider mites: the Entomatic™ Automated Dispenser.
This highly efficient system is rapidly proving itself to be a game-changer in spider mite control, ensuring the precise and uniform distribution of Phytoseiulus persimilis, a specialized predatory mite that exclusively feeds on spider mites. By improving the effectiveness of biological control programs and significantly reducing labor requirements, Entomatic™ is setting new standards for crop protection in modern agriculture.
A Key Player in Biocontrol: Phytoseiulus persimilis
Phytoseiulus persimilis is an essential part of integrated pest management (IPM) programs. This predatory mite is highly effective in controlling spider mite populations, but its success relies heavily on correct placement and timely introduction. As Sam Gui, Market Development Manager for High Tech IPM at Biobest, explains, “To achieve optimal control, growers must introduce Phytoseiulus-System at the right time and ensure even distribution throughout the crop.”
The movement of Phytoseiulus is often hindered by the glandular hairs in crops like tomatoes, making precise placement crucial. Manual introduction of the predator can be inconsistent, leading to uneven coverage and “pest islands” that could jeopardize crop health. This is where the Entomatic™ dispenser shines, providing a solution that guarantees continuous and even distribution of the predator.
Continuous and Even Distribution for Maximum Effectiveness
The Entomatic™ Automated Dispenser is designed to release Phytoseiulus persimilis at a controlled rate directly over the heads of the plants, particularly targeting new growth areas where spider mites tend to accumulate. This method not only maximizes the effectiveness of the biocontrol agents but also ensures that they are introduced precisely where they are needed, without human error.
“In contrast, manual introduction of predators is time-consuming and inconsistent. Predator distribution is impacted by the operator’s skill and concentration, often leading to uneven coverage and pest islands,” explains Gui.
Labour Savings: Cutting Costs by Up to 90%
Beyond its increased precision, Entomatic™ offers substantial labour savings, a crucial benefit for growers managing large-scale operations. Depending on the specific model, labour costs for introducing beneficial mites can be reduced by as much as 90%. This reduction in manual labor allows growers to focus their efforts on other critical tasks while maintaining consistent pest control.
Versatility Across Crops and Settings
The versatility of the Entomatic™ system is another key strength. It can be used in both horizontal and vertical row crops, making it adaptable to a variety of crop types and growing environments. The system has been widely adopted in high-tech protected vegetable crops, such as tomatoes, sweet peppers, and cucumbers, as well as in cut flowers and open-field strawberry production.
Moreover, Entomatic™ is not limited to distributing Phytoseiulus persimilis. It can also effectively distribute other predatory mites, beneficial insects, and Artemac™ supplementary predator feed, making it an essential tool in integrated pest management across various agricultural sectors.
The modular design of the dispenser allows for easy configuration across different glasshouse setups, whether mounted on existing carts, tractors, robotic sprayers, or custom driving platforms.
Conclusion: Entomatic™ and the Future of Pest Control
As spider mite pressure increases with the warmer months, innovative solutions like Entomatic™ are proving indispensable for growers looking to optimize pest control while reducing labour costs. By automating the precise distribution of biocontrol agents like Phytoseiulus persimilis, Entomatic™ is setting the stage for more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.
