BIOAGENTS

natranu CHRYSOPIDS
Green lacewings are insects in the very large family Chrysopidae of the order Neuroptera. There are three subfamilies (Apochrysinae, Nothochrysinae and Chrysopinae), 87 genera and about 1,300 species. Lacewings are widespread insects; the genus Chrysoperla is very common in North America. Their larvae are voracious predators, attacking most insects of suitable size, especially soft-bodied ones (aphids, caterpillars and other insect larvae, insect eggs). Adults use substrate vibrations as a form of communication, especially during courtship; species which are nearly identical morphologically may sometimes be separated more easily based on their mating signals.
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In several countries, millions of lacewings are reared for sale as biological control agents of insect and mite pests in agriculture and gardens. They are distributed as eggs, since they are highly aggressive and cannibalistic. The eggs hatch in the field, originating the predatory larvae. Their performance is variable; thus, there is a lot of interest on further improvement of the use of lacewings as biological pest control.
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nodular TRICHOGRAMMA SPP.
Trichogramma are tiny wasps that prey on the eggs of more than 200 pests, including borers, webworms, loopers, leafworms, fruitworms, cutworms, codling moth, bollworms, and armyworms. The wasps lay their eggs in the pest eggs, killing them. The adult wasps emerge anywhere from 7 to 75 days, depending on temperature and moisture. Begin to release Trichogramma at first flight of moths and every 7-10 days thereafter until infestation subsides.
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Release rates: 12,000/500 sq. ft.; 40,000-200,000/acre weekly for 2-6 weeks. Trichogramma are shipped on cards that look like sandpaper; each square on the card contains 3,000-5,000 Trichogramma eggs, depending on the species ordered. Place the squares where moths are seen; keep cards out of direct sunlight. Choose the species that suits your needs. Availability: year-round.
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sphuranu LADY BIRD BEETLES
Ladybird Beetles are also known as Ladybugs and Lady Beetles. The adults are oval domed in shape, range in length from about 1 mm to about 10 mm depending upon species. Females in general are a little larger than males. Like all beetles, their hard forewings cover the membranous hind wings and protect the abdomen. Their legs and their clubbed antenna are short, which are usually hidden beneath their bodies when disturbed. Most Ladybird Beetles are brightly colored. This is a warning signal to tell the predator that the ladybirds are distasteful and toxic. When disturbed some ladybirds may emit a strong smelling yellow liquid as a deterrent against predators. Ladybirds are complete metamorphosis. Females lay clusters of 10 to 50 yellow spindle shaped eggs on plants near aphids. Newly hatched larvae are gray or black and less than 4 mm long. Later stage larvae can be gray, black, or blue with bright yellow or orange markings on the body. Their larvae undergo four instars before pupating. Ladybird beetles develop rapidly. The larva emerges from the eggs about 1-2 weeks. The larva reaches maturity within 2 weeks. Pupation takes place on plants where the larva fed and the adult emerges from the pupa after 1-2 weeks. As their adults, the larvae have long sharp mandibles and feed on small insects. The larvae are elongate and slightly oblong in shape. They are usually patterned with colours similar to their parents, and many are adorned with spines. The pupae are usually brightly patterned and can be found attached to the leaves and stems of plants where larvae have fed and developed.
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