Macrolophus pygmaeus
MACROcontrol contains the predatory bug Macrolophus pygmaeus. The predatory bug hunts for various pest insects with a clear preference for white fly (eggs, larvae and pupae). Each day these predatory bugs can eat 40-50 whitefly eggs. Macrolophus pygmaeus eats both the glasshouse whitefly and the Tabacco whitefly. In addition to the whitefly, it also eats red spider mites, moth eggs and to a lesser extent, aphids and larvae of the leaf miners. Macrolophus will deposit more eggs when it eats white fly eggs as food than spider mites and aphids. Female Macrolophus live for about 40 days at 25 °C or 110 days at 15 °C. The males live a little longer. After mating, the female, depending on the temperature and nutrition, places between 100 and 250 eggs during her lifetime.

Product characteristics

• Available as nymphs or as a mix of nymphs + adults 
• Both preventative and curative applicable 
• Effective on red spider mite hot spots, due to the lack of wings.

Quality control
At Royal Brinkman, a team of specialists checks the quality of beneficial insects, mites and nematodes. Based on a protocol they work to deliver the best quality to the customers.

Packaging
MACROcontrol is delivered as a package of 500 nymphs in a 250 ml bottle. They are very effective on red spider mite hot spots, because they cannot fly away due to the lack of wings

MACROcontrol can also be delivered as a mix of 500 individuals (adults + nymphs) in a 250 ml bottle with vermiculite as carrier material. The vermiculite ensures optimal moisture content in the bottles during transport.

User instructions
Open the bottle in the greenhouse and ensure a good division of the insects in the crop. Introduce the insects close to where the pests are located.  For a clean and clear application, use the introbox.

Especially in the build-up stage of the population, it may be necessary to supply extra food to the Macrolophus. For this, EPHEScontrol (Ephestia eggs) or ARTEMIcontrol (artemia cysts) can be used. Both EPHEScontrol and ARTEMIcontrol are available as small and large packages.

PAY ATTENTION:
Macrolophus can cause crop damage in excessive populations, lack or inadequate presence of prey, adverse climatic conditions and sensitive crops. Also, these predatory bugs are very sensitive to various chemical plant protection products.

Receipt and storage
Upon receipt, check the product for abnormalities and report any complaints or comments within 24 hours. Preferably use the product immediately. If storage is required, the product should be stored horizontally and in a dark place at a temperature of 8-10°C for a maximum of 24 hours. If the product is stored longer and/or under different conditions Royal Brinkman is not liable for any loss of quality.