Biocontrols for soft fruit

To help you control common pests in soft fruit

Biocontrol products use natural mechanisms or ‘natural enemies’ to control pests, minimising the use of traditional chemical intervention methods.

By working with leading global innovators Koppert UK, Agrovista is proud to offer biocontrol options to customers as part of a commitment to practising the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

Aphiscout - Controlling aphids

This ‘one product’ solution from Koppert contains five different parasitoids, helping to combat a wide range of aphid species that affect soft fruit crops.

The product works by releasing parasitoids that then identify aphids and impregnate them with parasitoid eggs. This concludes the aphid’s lifecycle, resulting in the emergence of the next generation of parasitoids.

Because Aphiscout is a biocontrol product, it reduces the reliance on conventional insecticidal products, and with no post-harvest interval, offers growers improved flexibility for application timing.

Benefits include:

  • Reduced risk of resistance
  • Reliable and consistent quality
  • Quick and easy application

Thripex -Controlling thrips

Effectively controlling thrips is becoming increasingly difficult for British growers due to the lack of available chemical control options. Therefore, adopting an integrated approach is crucial, including the use of biocontrol treatments.

Thripex by Koppert contains predatory mite Neoseiulus cucumeris - the ‘backbone’ of thrips control. Application is recommended for early in the season before flowering, with predatory mites then released over a six week period.    

Spidex - Two spotted Spider mite control

Two spotted spider mites cause considerable damage - mottled leaves and early leaf loss in strawberry and raspberry crops.

Spidex by Koppert, Phytoseiulus persimilis, provides effective control of two spotted spider mites when used preventatively and at the first sign of the pest.

The product works by releasing predatory mites, Phytoseiulus persimilis, which then feed on all stages of spider mites. These predatory mites pierce eggs and consume the contents, whilst also attacking adult spider mites.

Contact your Agrovista agronomist for more information on these biocontrol  solutions.