The company is working hard so that the product is available in 2022

Koppert is developing a biological solution against “Nezara viridula”

Over the last decade, the green bug (Nezara viridula) has plagued pepper, aubergine, and cucumber greenhouses in southern Europe and its presence is growing in state-of-the-art and heated greenhouses in the north, east, and central parts of Europe. The elimination of chemicals in combination with climate change has increased the pressure of this pest in greenhouses.

The green bug (Nezara viridula) on a pepper plant.

The fight against the green bug is a great challenge, and to date, it can only be done with chemical products. However, these products affect the population of the natural enemies of thrips, spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies that keep these pests under control. There is the possibility of manually removing the green bug from the crop, but this is only feasible if the pressure of the pest in the crop is low; therefore this technique has had little success.

The Nezara problem was identified early by Koppert. In 2018 the company began research with this pest’s most effective natural enemy: a wasp that parasitizes its eggs. The first field trials are promising and show that Nezara can be fought well in practice. Large-scale trials in different countries are expected to confirm these results later this year.

“The damage caused by Nezara is enormous and often leads to early removal of crops. The fight against this pest is complicated, and the only remedy is to use chemicals. That’s why we are pleased that we’re close to being able to provide a natural solution to our customers. Our international team is dedicated body and soul to offering a suitable solution against Nezara as soon as possible,” stated Bart Sels, Head of Koppert Belgium.

For more information:

Koppert 
C/ Cobre 22
Pol. Industrial Ciudad del Transporte del Poniente
04745 La Mojonera, Almería (España)
Tel.: +34 950 554 464
Fax: +34 950 553 905
www.koppert.es

Publication date: Mon 28 Jun 2021