Once again, Koppert’s strong innovation capacity is redefining the rules of biological control for major pests such as thrips and whiteflies. Following the strong commercial success achieved with Limonica in bottle format since its launch in 2024, Koppert Spain is now introducing the predatory mite Amblydromalus limonicus in the revolutionary Ulti-Mite sachet format: Limonica Ulti-Mite.
The predatory mite Amblydromalus limonicus (marketed by Koppert under the name Limonica) offers the highest known level of efficacy against thrips and whiteflies. Limonica outperforms other mites in terms of egg-laying rate, mobility and predation capacity. It also remains active and predatory across a wide temperature range, both in cold and hot conditions. Thanks to these outstanding characteristics, it is especially recommended for the biological control of thrips and whiteflies in many horticultural crops (except tomato), ornamentals and berries. Limonica is compatible with other biological control agents, such as Orius laevigatus.
For thrips control, Amblydromalus limonicus preys on eggs and L1 and L2 larvae of various thrips species commonly found in greenhouse horticultural crops and subtropical crops (Frankliniella occidentalis, Thrips parvispinus, Scirtothrips dorsalis and Thrips tabaci). It also effectively controls thrips in ornamental crops, including Echinothrips americanus, Dichromothrips corbetti (Vanda thrips) and Chaetanaphothrips orchidii (Anthurium thrips).
For whitefly control, it feeds on eggs and larvae, making it suitable for managing mixed infestations of both Trialeurodes vaporariorum and Bemisia tabaci. In the absence of thrips or whiteflies, Amblydromalus limonicus can survive by feeding on other mites, moth eggs and pollen.
Patented innovation
Limonica Ulti-Mite is a patented innovation developed by Koppert that combines advanced progressive release technology with the most effective predatory mite against different thrips and whitefly species. The result is an exclusive biological control solution offering maximum reliability, thanks to the unique technical specifications of the sachet.
Limonica Ulti-Mite is made with a 100% compostable outer film and creates an optimal microclimate for mite reproduction and release, even under challenging conditions. Unlike paper sachets, Limonica Ulti-Mite retains internal humidity and withstands adverse weather conditions.
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The favourable conditions inside the sachet turn the Ulti-Mite format into a miniature biofactory from which predatory mites emerge over a period of up to six weeks. The result is a sustained and reliable release of predatory mites, perfectly synchronized with pest pressure in the crop.
Each Limonica Ulti-Mite sachet initially contains 125 predatory mites and prey mites. Thanks to Ulti-Mite technology, progressive release can multiply the initial mite content up to fourfold, making the Ulti-Mite format the most cost-effective and longest-lasting option on the market.
Dosage
The dosage of Limonica Ulti-Mite depends on the crop, application timing and pest pressure. After more than 100 trials and over 11,000 hours of work, Koppert has developed a technical protocol specifically adapted to greenhouse growing conditions in southeastern Spain.
For greenhouse pepper crops, the standard recommended dosage is 80 individuals per square metre, provided sachets are placed between the third and fourth week after transplanting. In peppers, supplementary feeding is optional and can begin three weeks after Limonica release, using 10 cans of Nutari per hectare.
For cucumber crops, sachets should be placed when plants reach a height of one metre, at a dosage of approximately 60 individuals per square metre. One week later, supplementary feeding should be provided with 10 cans of Nutari and 3 cans of Nutemia per hectare.
