Biological control of whiteflies and thrips
Starskii is a biological control agent that contains the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii. It is primarily used to control whiteflies and thrips, but also helps reduce other small pest species.
Benefits of Starskii :
- ✅Fast reproduction: Breeds rapidly under warm, humid conditions.
- ✅Targeted pest control: Actively feeds on thrips larvae (L1) and whitefly eggs and young larvae.
- ✅Extended survival: Can feed on pollen in the absence of prey.
- ✅Climate adaptable: Survives cooler nights and overwinters in semi-protected crops.
Main uses
Starskii is used for the biological control of: Western Flower Thrips, Chili Thrips, Onion Thrips, Greenhouse Whitefly & Silverleaf / Potato Whitefly.
How it works
Starskii is ideal for use in protected crops such as peppers, cucumbers, gerbera, and eggplants under warm conditions. It can also be used in open-field crops, provided the average daytime temperature is above 20°C (68°F). The mites establish most rapidly on crops with ample pollen, such as peppers, where pollen serves as an additional high-quality food source. In crops with little or no pollen, establishment may be slower, but using sachets that release mites over several weeks can improve results. For best results, apply Starskii early in the crop or pest cycle to prevent buildup of whitefly and thrips populations. Note: Starskii does not feed on adult stages of these pests. It becomes active at 20°C (68°F), with performance improving at higher temperatures.
