Parties collaborating in de development of Amblyseius swirskii

The introduction of A. swirskii is an example of successful collaboration between researchers, and between the worlds of research and practice.

It all began at the 'Universiteit van Amsterdam' (in the Population Biology department), where the potential of swirskii was discovered.

Their story:

A research project began in 1997, looking into the potential for combating whitefly using predatory mites. This project was carried out by Maria Nomikou, a Greek researcher, who did her research within the Population Biology department, with financing from the Stichting Technische Wetenschappen (Technical Sciences Foundation) and under the guidance of Dr. Arne Janssen and Prof. Dr. Maus Sabelis.

Maria Nomikou began by collecting specimens of predatory mites in Israel and Jordan, where she encountered various species of predators together with whitefly. Her research at the 'Universiteit van Amsterdam' demonstrated that two species of predatory mite were suitable for combating whitefly: Euseius scutalis and particularly Typhlodromips swirskii. The latter is now available commercially. Maria Nomikou's research was concluded with a doctoral thesis in 2002, and the chapters of her thesis are now available in the form of publications in international scientific journals such as Experimental and Applied Acarology, Entomologia experimentalis et applicata and Oecologia.

Since then, follow-up research has been carried out at the 'Universiteit van Amsterdam' by the Chinese researcher Ruixia Meng. We will also be starting up a follow-up project in the near future, once again financed by the Stichting Technische Wetenschappen, in collaboration with WUR Greenhouse Horticulture and Koppert Biological Systems.

Maria Nomikou, the 'discoverer' of T. swirskii, returned to Greece after defending her thesis.

Various trials followed, under the direction of WUR Greenhouse Horticulture.

In cucumber, the sometimes poor control of thrips by the standard predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris formed the reason to take another good look at the possible new types of predatory mites. Ten species were selected from the Phytoseiidae family in 2003. One of these was the subtropical predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii. Selection trials by WUR Greenhouse Horticulture in 2003 showed that this predatory mite also worked surprisingly well in combating thrips, many times better than the standard predatory mite A. cucumeris. The potential for combating thrips and whitefly awakened great interest in this species in the world of practice.

In 2004, the research gained momentum. WUR Greenhouse Horticulture was granted research funds by the Horticultural Commodity Board to investigate ways of controlling thrips and glasshouse whitefly in cucumber crops. Greenhouse trials showed that the predatory mite worked very well in combating thrips and glasshouse whitefly. An initial practical trial was carried out for cucumber in the summer of 2004. The release turned out to be a great success. A very high population density was achieved in a short space of time, and the control of thrips and whitefly was considerably better than in other sections in which A. cucumeris was released.

In the autumn of 2004, WUR Greenhouse Horticulture officially made the predatory mite available for producers of natural enemies at an Artemis meeting. Koppert had already taken action on the basis of the research results. After cucumber, A. swirskii was also tested in various other vegetable and ornamental crops.

Koppert Biological Systems also released the predatory mites for use by its clients. Since Koppert had already been involved in the research at an earlier stage (in the supervisory committee at the 'Universiteit van Amsterdam'), this could be monitored at close quarters.

When trials by WUR Greenhouse Horticulture revealed that the application of predatory mites in cucumber plants was a success, Koppert initially focused its attention on another important crop: sweet peppers. In addition, research was started into the feasibility of profitable mass cultivation. The application of predatory mites to control whitefly was something that had not previously been considered possible. Various barriers needed to be overcome in the search for a suitable cultivation method.  This brought new solutions into the picture, resulting in two patent applications.

Research was also carried out on a number of other crops besides sweet peppers - vegetables, fruit and ornamental crops - in northern and southern Europe. It became even clearer that A. swirksii could and would make a great contribution to crop protection.

The Population Biology department at the 'Universiteit van Amsterdam' carries out research into the natural enemies of infestations in various crops. Alongside studies on the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis, widely used to combat spider mite, a great deal of research is also done into predators of thrips (Iphiseius degenerans, Neoseiulus cucumeris, Orius laevigatus), as well as a predator of the bulb mite and thrips pupae (Hypoaspis aculeifer).

Contact:

Dr Arne Janssen and Prof. Dr. Maus Sabelis

IBED, Population Biology department

Universiteit van Amsterdam

Postbus 94084

1090 GB Amsterdam

The Netherlands

email: janssen(at)science.uva.nl en sabelis(at)science.uva.nl

Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture (WUR) is the leading Dutch organisation for applied research in arable farming, multifunctional agriculture and outdoor vegetable growing, bees, flower bulbs, nursery stock, fruit, greenhouse horticulture and mushrooms. WUR Greenhouse Horticulture aims at co-innovations with partners from the different agricultural sectors, sciences, industry and government. WUR Greenhouse Horticulture analyses together with clients questions regarding farm and crop management and translates these into applied research and development programmes.

We have at our disposal modern greenhouse complexes, conditioned storage and handling rooms, extensive experimental fields, well-equipped laboratories, and modern growing cabinets. But our operations can also be extended to commercial farms.

The diversity of our facilities and research locations place us close to our clients. We are ready to implement - together with our clients - improvements and innovations. We cover areas such as sustainable farm management systems, quality management, crop management, crop protection, efficient utilisation of resources and multifunctional land use. With over 700 staff members at 14 locations with 600 ha experimental fields we are among the largest research organisations in the Netherlands.

Our clients determine whether the results are public or protected through, e.g., a patent application.

WUR Greenhouse Horticulture integrates and develops knowledge into directly applicable solutions for practical questions from agrobusiness. And it makes no difference whether the desired knowledge is of a typically technical horticultural nature or from completely different knowledge fields. WUR Greenhouse Horticulture develops, integrates and implements. Always together with partners from the chain. As (inter)active part of the production chain WUR Greenhouse Horticulture has an open eye for new forms of cooperation. But the basis remains: a strong awareness of the significance of entrepreneurship.

WUR Greenhouse Horticulture

Kruisbroekweg 5

P.O. Box 8

2670 AA Naaldwijk

The Netherlands

Tel +31 174 636700

Fax +31 174 636835

E-mail: infoglastuinbouw.ppo@wur.nl

Internet: http://www.glastuinbouw.wur.nl/UK/ 

Koppert is the international market leader in the field of biological crop protection and natural pollination. Koppert has a reputation internationally for reliability, innovation and quality.

The ongoing research and continuous production of beneficials and pollinators contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture and horticulture world-wide. An important characteristic of Koppert is the involvement in the everyday world of agricultural businesses. Koppert has a results-oriented research and development department, and world-wide network of contacts. Large-scale production of natural enemies, microbials and pollinators takes place in modern production facilities.

Customer satisfaction is essential for Koppert. With reliable biological systems Koppert provides growers a convenient solution for their crop protection issues. Top-quality products are an indispensable tool to achieve this, backed up with advice of experienced specialists.

Koppert's principal place of business is active from 1967 and located in the Netherlands. Here people are employed in production, sales, logistics, consultancy and research. Koppert also has several subsidiaries for sales and/or production in England, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, the USA, Canada, Mexico, Turkey and New Zealand.

Most of the Koppert products are living, delicate organisms. They are packed carefully, in such a way prepared for the journey that they are still fit after arrival. The distribution chain is designed to get the products at the final customer in the shortest possible time. This has resulted in a streamlined logistic network, with people along the line that are thoroughly trained how to handle the products. This network is operational in 50 countries.

Koppert Biological Systems

Veilingweg 17

Postbus 155

2650 AD Berkel en Rodenrijs

the Netherlands

Tel +31-10-5140444

Fax +31-10-5115203

E-mail: info@koppert.nl

Internet: www.koppert.com

Many people have participated in the research into A. swirskii over the years, not only the parties mentioned above. Distributors and growers have also contributed, and the various trade journals have reported on progress in detail. There are many other names that have not been mentioned here. For those people in particular: thank you for your contribution!

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