Thripor L Predatory Bug

Scientific name: Orius laevigatus.

The omnivorous bugs of the genus Orius, commonly called minute pirate bugs, feed on smaller insects, larvae and eggs, including spider mites, thrips, jumping plant lice, white fly and plant material such as pollen and vascular sap. 
Common in gardens and landscapes, the predators have a fairly painful bite but are not venomous.

Use for:

• Biological control of thrips.
  
• Natural enemy of the larvae and adults of various thrip species.

Mode of action:

Adults and nymphs pierce thrips larvae and adults with their sucking mouthparts and suck out the contents.

Visually, O rius laevigatus sucks out the body contents of its prey leaving only the empty skin.

Product specifications:

Application:

• Shake bottle gently before use.
  
• S pread material on clean rock wool slabs, leaves and/or in application boxes.
• Apply in groups of at least 50 insects in order to establish a population and encourage mating.
• Make sure the material remains undisturbed at the introduction site for a few hours after application.

Dosage:

The dosage of Thripor L depends on climate, crop and thrips density and should always be adjusted to the particular situation. Start introduction as soon as the first thrips are detected in the crop. Introduction rates typically range from 0.5 to 10 bugs per m2/release. Releases should be repeated once or twice. 

Environmental conditions:

• Optimal temperatures for Thripor L are above 20°C / 68°F, lower temperatures slow down the development of Orius laevigatus significantly. Effectivity is reduced at temperatures above 30°C /86°F.
  
• S hould be combined with generalist predatory mites.
• Do not use in tomato crops.

Storage:

• Apply as soon as possible after receipt. If necessary, the product can be stored for 1 to 2 days.
• Store at temperatures of 10°C to 15°C / 50°F to 59°F.
• Store in the dark, with the bottle kept 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.