An impressive range of predatory mite solutions thanks to continuous research and innovations

‘Our drive is still the same as when my grandfather and father founded this company with the introduction of the first predatory mite for biological control’, says Koppert CEO René Koppert. ‘Our growing range of predatory mite products has set a standard in the sector that is difficult to beat.’

The innovative biocontrol solution that came onto the market more than half a century ago was a real game changer for growers at the time. Continuous research and innovation to develop the product portfolio since 1967 have ensured that these premium-quality products for controlling harmful pests are more vital and effective than ever.

‘We can be proud that we introduced the first predatory mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis, to growers in the Netherlands more than 55 years ago, but by far the greatest achievement is that we have managed to improve and escalate the production, safe transportation and optimal application of our predatory mite products worldwide. The quality and vitality of our mites have never been better.’

‘We are the third generation at Koppert to step into the shoes of our founder, but our mission remains unchanged, and that is to work towards the better health of people and the planet; to help growers and optimize cultivation and reduce the impact on the environment. This is our contribution and the driving force behind our daily work, R&D investment, and cooperation with dozens of research institutes and universities worldwide.’

Initially produced to protect greenhouse cucumbers from spider mites, Koppert has gone on to explore and develop a range of predatory mites that can now be successfully applied to a wide range of crops, including vegetables, ornamentals, and fruits.

‘Thanks to continuous research, the latest technology and digital transformation, we not only produce and deliver our quality products to growers but have managed to combine this with the most innovative packaging, application techniques, up-to-date technologies and our expert knowledge. This has given growers the full support and expertise for effective solutions for their crops and their peace of mind.’

‘My grandfather was a grower and entrepreneur; that’s our heritage, and we never forget that we work for growers. That is and always will be one of our core values as a company. We would not be where we are today without our customers and their vital feedback. We have listened to their demands and challenges for more than 55 years and responded to their needs with mutual understanding and support. It has resulted in a huge quantity of knowledge and expertise that we share willingly with our customers and other agricultural institutions.’

‘Besides producing optimal predatory mites at several locations, one of our biggest challenges over the years has been the packaging and transportation of live organisms. In the early days, we delivered mites on green leaves, which we transported in plastic containers. You can imagine that we didn’t travel that far! Today, our mites need to reach the far corners of the world, so we have had to change our packing and mode of transportation radically. There is now an entire cold chain in place from production unit to distributor that includes road and airfreight, with adequate ventilation and temperature regulation to ensure that the mites stay healthy and vital.’

Packaging nowadays includes breeding sachets in which predatory mites such as Amblyseius swirskii can develop and reproduce when introduced into the crop. These slow-release sachets offer the mites protection on their journey, making this biological solution for harmful thrips and whiteflies even more effective and labor-saving. ‘The feeder mites in the sachets ensure the predatory mites have a snack on their way to their destination. The number of predatory mites emerging from the sachet is often five-fold,’ René explains.

Humidity resistance is another factor considered as it extends the season in which the predatory mites can be effective in the crop. ‘All these innovations and our expertise as a research and knowledge company have combined to make us thought leaders in the biological solutions industry and have given us a strong position in the international market.’

‘We now have the broadest portfolio of predatory mite solutions in the industry, with ten different mites in multiple packaging formats that can be introduced into protected and outdoor cultivation. Our new application techniques play a key role in introducing mites into large-scale agriculture. We believe there are still plenty of opportunities for Koppert to grow and make biological control a mainstream method in a growing number of crops. There is a world to win out there, and we are confident that our predatory mites will continue contributing to the better health of people and the planet.’