Mirical N Predatory Bug

Scientific name: Macrolophus pygmaeus.

Macrolophus pygmaeus is an insect of the family Miridae, species of which are commonly known as plant bugs, leaf bugs, grass bugs, capsid bugs or mirid bugs. Macrolophus pygmaeus are found in the warmer climates of Europe, Africa and Asia, they are omnivorous, preying on Tuta absoluta (South American tomato pinworm, tomato leafminer, tomato pinworm or South American tomato moth) eggs and larvae, Ephestia kuehniella (Mediterranean flour moth or mill moth) eggs, Macrosiphum euphorbiae (the potato aphid) nymphs and the extrafloral nectar of plants such as the Vicia fava bean.

Use for:

• Biocontrol of spider mite hotspots on tomato.
• Also affects whitefly and Tuta absoluta.
• For effective sustainable control of spider mite use Mirical N in combination with Phytoseiulus persimilis predatory mites.
• Especially for use in tomato crops (can cause damage to other plants).
  

Mode of action:

Adult predatory bugs and nymphs actively search for their prey and suck them out. The skin is left behind in its original form.
Visually, Macrolophus pygmaeus sucks out the body contents of its prey leaving only the empty skin.

Product specifications:

Application:

• Sprinkle material directly in the hotspots on leaves or in application boxes.
• Spread material thinly (maximum 1 cm thick) to enable the predatory bugs to get out of the carrier material.
• Make sure the material is not disturbed for at least a few hours after application.

Dosage:

The dosage of Mirical N depends on climate, crop and pest density and should always be adjusted to the particular situation. Use for control of hotspots. Introduction rates typically range from 10 50 bugs per m²/release. Releases should be repeated al least two times.

Environmental conditions:

Optimal temperatures for Mirical are above 20°C / 68°F, lower temperatures slow down the development of Macrolophus pygmaeus significantly.

Storage:

• Apply as soon as possible after receipt. If necessary, the product can be stored for 1 to 2 days.
• Store at temperatures of 8°C to 10°C / 47°F to 50°F.
• Store in the dark.
• Keep the bottle horizontally.

Caution:

• Pesticides can have direct or indirect effects on biological solutions.
• Only use products that are permitted in your country or state and crop.