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Why are some natural enemies packaged in vermiculite?
Written by Kevin van Kester | Last update: 15-10-2020
Natural enemies are a product of live material. This requires a special method
of packaging. Packing methods for some natural enemies - including predatory mites,
predatory bugs and gall midges – involves the use of vermiculite. In this
article, our specialist explains more about the benefits of vermiculite for
packaging natural enemies.
Benefits of vermiculite
Vermiculite is a mineral resource substance (a type of
rock) with various properties that contribute to the quality and application of
the product. It prevents mold formation, ensures a good moisture balance in the
packaging, provides aeration and space and makes a product easier to sprinkle.
Mold prevention
Mould can have a negative effect on biological pest control, especially on the outcome of pupae. That is why vermiculite is often chosen as carrier material; this is an inert material. This means that it contains no nutritional value on which fungi or bacteria can grow.
Moisture balance and clump formation
The main function of vermiculite for packaging natural
enemies is to regulate moisture levels during storage, transport and possibly
during application (in case of pupae that have yet to hatch in the greenhouse).
It also provides a drinking water supply for the organisms. Vermiculite works
as follows: when heated, it pops just like popcorn. This creates a very light
grain with high moisture-containing levels. This is very important for natural
enemy organisms because both too high as well as too low moisture levels will
affect them negatively. If moisture levels are too low, this will lead to
higher mortality rates from dehydration, but if the moisture content is too
high, this can lead to condensation in which the biological pest control
organisms can drown. Also, too much moisture can cause clump formation (which
complicates the scattering of a product) and provides more opportunity for fungal
or bacterial growth.<
Each natural enemy prefers a different ideal moisture
percentage and is therefore combined with a specific type of vermiculite to
match. This contributes to maintaining the quality of products during transport
and storage. When other components in the product already have a naturally
fairly high humidity level, dry vermiculite can act precisely to make the
carrier material clump less quickly.
Air and space for biological pest control organisms
Another important function of vermiculite is to create
an optimal environment for the natural enemies. In particular, the size of the
vermiculite grains plays a role here. The correct size ensures that the
organisms have enough air and space while in the packaging. A larger grain
provides more air and space, but can also lead to pressure due to its weight.
Therefore, different sizes of vermiculite are used.
Distribution ability
Vermiculite also makes it easier to distribute or
scatter the product. The size of the grains and the amount of vermiculite
compared to other components are also important. By adding vermiculite to
smaller packaging, such as a bottle of
MACROcontrol,the contents can be distributed over various distribution points. With larger products, such as a bag of MONcontrol Chrysanthemum, vermiculite ensures that the product can be distributed properly across the crop with the Biospreader.
More information about vermiculite
Do you have questions about the use of vermiculite after reading this article, or would you like individual advice? Please contact Kevin van Kester by using the form below. We will contact you as soon as possible – on weekdays, within 24 hours.
 About Kevin van Kester
Kevin van Kester,
specialist in the area of quality management of biological pesticides, has been
working with Royal Brinkman since 2013. On the basis of IOBC-guidelines, he
structurally monitors the quality of organic products of various producers throughout
Europe. "My motivation consists of contributing to higher efficiency of the
biological pest control, as such, due to which fewer chemical treatments are
required."
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