Eggplant (aubergine)

Biological pollination and pest control… the new standard in aubergine crops!

IPM makes the difference

Biological products are an essential aspect in the cultivation of today's aubergine crops. But why, precisely, is it such a good idea to choose IPM or integrated crop protection?

• You help prevent pests and diseases from becoming resistant to chemical pest control methods.
• You comply with the strict regulations and meet the demands of the consumer.
• You choose residue-free methods and, therefore, produce healthier aubergines.
• You reduce the risk of yield losses.
• You reap a rich harvest by choosing IPM. How? You can count on increased cost-effectiveness and improved fruit quality to help optimise your competitive position.

Biological pest control for aubergine

Will you also take the step to implement biological strategies in your crops? If so, Biobest offers you a wide range of solutions that can be used safely at any time. You can utilise:

• a wide range of natural enemies, such as Macrolophus-System, to control whitefly but also Aphidius-System against aphids and Swirskii-System to control thrips and whitefly;
• the nutritional supplements Nutrimac™ and Artemac™, help ensure predatory insects − such as Macrolophus-System − are working at full strength when an infestation occurs. In addition, Nutrimite™, supports the optimal functioning of Swirskii-System;
• pheromone traps and sticky traps, such as Bug-Scan^®, to monitor and scout pests in the crop;
• biological insecticides, such as PREFERAL^®, as an extra weapon in the control of whitefly, or Delfin^® to control caterpillars;
• biological fungicides which kill pathogenic moulds in the roots, such as ASPERELLO^® T34 Biocontrol^®, or on above-ground parts of the plants, such as Prestop^®;
• the thrips pheromone ThriPher to lure thrips out of their shelters.

Bumblebee pollination of aubergine

Although aubergine plants are generally speaking self-pollinating, you should not underestimate the importance of cross-pollination. Aubergine blossoms require vibrations in order to loosen the pollen. When bumblebees pollinate the flowers they cause them to vibrate. So, utilising bumblebee pollination you can count on higher yields, larger fruits and more seeds. That is why bumblebees are the new standard for modern aubergine growers. Biobest would be happy to help you choose from our wide range of bumblebee hives.

Did you know that...

… the aubergine is also called the eggplant? The use of artificial lighting for aubergine crops is on the rise, making this vegetable available all year round. Talk about an evolving crop!