Nesidiocoris tenuis: mirid bug that deals with several pests

What is Nesidiocoris-System?

• The bright green mirid bug Nesidiocoris tenuis
• Efficient beneficial against various pests
• Preventative crop protection against unexpected infestations

What are the advantages of Nesidiocoris-System?

• Eats the eggs and larvae of greenhouse and tobacco whitefly
• Excellent combination with parasitic wasps against whitefly
• Eats the eggs of the South American leaf miner Tuta absoluta
• Also feeds on spider mites, moth eggs and aphids
• Young Nesidiocoris nymphs are effective biocontrol agents of e.g. red spider mite as they can’t fly
• Nesidiocoris is more efficient than Macrolophus in controlling eggs and young larvae of Tuta.
• Tolerates higher temperatures
• Has a faster development time than Macrolophus
• Is mainly found in the heads of the plant

How does pest control with Nesidiocoris-System work?

By using the alternative food sources Nutrimac™ and Artemac™, the population of Nesidiocoris tenuis will grow, even in absence of prey.

In which crops can you introduce Nesidiocoris-System?

In vegetable crops such as tomato and aubergine crops

Warning
Nesidiocoris tenuis can occasionally cause crop damages such as poor fruit set, flower drop, irregularly formed flowers, fruit or trusses and feeding spots on fruit. Please be cautious when the following conditions occur:

• The population of Nesidiocoris tenuis is too large, i.e. when more than 15 individuals are counted over a total of 10 plants.
• There is no or insufficient prey
• In sensitive crops and varieties such as cherry tomatoes and small-truss tomato types

In case of major damage to the crop, the possible use of pesticides against Nesidiocoris tenuis will also be harmful for the related predatory bug Macrolophus pygmaeus. In case of doubt or questions, please discuss this with your nearest Biobest distributor or Biobest advisor.

Want to know more? Contact your Biobest advisor for tailored advice.