Growers in the Netherlands and Belgium are about to gain a powerful new ally in their fight against invasive thrips species. Koppert, a leader in biological crop protection, is introducing Franklinothrips vespiformis, a predatory thrips designed to combat leaf-dwelling pests that have proven resistant to traditional methods.
The product will be available under a white label starting this month, allowing growers to test its effectiveness while refining strategies for broader use.
Thrips infestations have become a growing challenge, especially species such as Echinothrips americanus, Thrips setosus, and Chaetanaphothrips orchidii, which thrive on leaf surfaces. Unlike other biological solutions that act against thrips larvae in flowers, Franklinothrips vespiformis actively hunts pests on the leaves.
According to company information, trials have shown that F. vespiformis performs “exceptionally well” under high pest pressure, especially when combined with supplemental feeding.
Its black, ant-like appearance and red larvae make it easy for growers to monitor its activity and effectiveness in crops. This visibility, combined with its ability to complement existing solutions such as predatory mites and Orius, makes it a valuable addition to integrated pest management strategies.
Early introduction and preventive measures, such as supplemental feeding, are key to building a stable population, says Koppert. For curative use, higher doses and patience are required, as results may take weeks to become visible.
Furthermore, Koppert emphasizes the importance of favorable conditions, such as temperatures above 18°C and limited use of chemical agents, to ensure optimal performance.
