Ercal Parasitic Wasp

Scientific name: Eretmocerus eremicus.

1. Eretmocerus eremicus is a species parasitic wasp of the genus Eretmocerus that parasitise immature whiteflies. These beneficial wasps lay eggs on or under second stage whitefly nymphs, hatched wasp larvae develop inside the whitefly host, consuming its innards and eventually the adult wasp emerges by chewing its way out of the annihilated whitefly. The female wasp also predates on younger whitefly larvae by probing them with its ovipositor and feed on the hemolymph.
   

Use for:

• For the control of whitefly, particularly greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) and Tobacco whitefly (Bemisia tabaci).
  
• Primarily used on indoor greenhouse crops.
• Can be used preventively or at first signs of pest presence.
• E ffective at higher temperature range than Encarsia formosa.

• Ercal is best to be used in combination with generalist predatory mites (Amblyseius andersoni, Amblyseius swirskii, Neoseiulus cucumeris or Amblydromalus limonicus) or, in tomato, with predatory mirid bugs (Macrolophus pygmaeus or Nesidiocoris tenuis).

Mode of action:

Adult female parasitic wasps parasitize the second and third larval stage of the whitefly. Host feeding also takes place.
Visually, parasitized whitefly pupae turn yellow, the adult parasitoid wasp can be seen clearly within the parasitized whitefly pupae shortly before it emerges.

Product specifications:

Application:

• Open package carefully inside the greenhouse.
• Bend and tear off the strips opposite to the mounting hole.
• Make sure not to touch the pupae during handling.
• Suspend the cards in the crop, if possible approximately 75 cm under the plant head.
• Avoid to hang cards at places exposed to direct sunlight.
  
  Dosage:
  

The dosage of Ercal depends on climate, crop and whitefly density and should always be adjusted to the particular situation. Start introduction preventively soon after planting of the crop. Introduction rates typically range from 1 to 10 per m²/release. Releases should be repeated at least 3 times at weekly intervals or until control is achieved. Depending on the specific situation, it may be better to switch to the use of different parasitic wasp species, especially considering temperature.

Environmental conditions:

For optimal efficacy the 24 hour average greenhouse temperature needs to be at least 20°C / 68°F. Eretmocerus eremicus is still active at temperatures above 30°C / 86°F.

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.

Caution:

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