Arysta LifeScience launches IPM products in Japan

Arysta LifeScience is pleased to announce the introduction of SWIRSKI PLUS (Amblyseius swirskii) and SPICAL PLUS (Neoseiulus californicus), products of Koppert Biological Systems, for integrated pest management in Japan. Both products can be used in a wide range of fruit, vegetable and ornamental crops. SWIRSKI PLUS targets the young larvae of various thrips species, as well as the eggs and larvae of whitefly (both Trialeurodes vaporariorum and Bemisia tabaci). SPICAL PLUS controls an array of spider mites.

"SWIRSKI PLUS and SPICAL PLUS offer a new breeding and application method for predatory mites,” said Zenjiro Nakamura, product manager, Arysta LifeScience Japan. “The mites are packed in a slow-release sachet, along with bran and prey, and are released into a crop regularly over several weeks to control pests. This is particularly important in crops where no alternative food is available for the pests -- crops such as cucumbers, roses, chrysanthemums and potted plants in which pest pressure must be kept at a low level.”

In 2009, Arysta LifeScience Japan launched SWIRSKI, predatory mites in a bottle (with bran). Although effective against pests, the bottled formulation was difficult to apply to some crops such as citrus trees and grapes.

"The new sachet packaging can be hooked to branches or stems,” explained Nakamura. “In addition, the mites are protected as they are gradually released, allowing them to withstand negative environmental factors such as less food (target pest or pollen), low humidity, and spray chemicals. By bringing SWIRSKI PLUS and SPICAL PLUS to growers, we are introducing more predatory mites and other beneficial insects into our target markets in Japan. We see great benefits for growers of many crops, including cucumbers, eggplants, sweet pepper, citrus and greenhouse flowers.”