Farmcare Ltd’s Blairgowrie farm is specialized in the production of soft fruits. Mark Hilditch is its technical manager. He started to use FresaProtect in 2012. The trial he did gave good results and he extended the surface protected by FresaProtect each year to reach 12 ha in 2014. “The key for a successful aphid control is to introduce FresaProtect in a preventive way” says Mark. “In this condition, FresaProtect really gives an excellent control of the aphids. The mix of several parasitoid species allows keeping every aphid species under control. The use of FresaProtect also allows me to avoid using insecticides against aphids which preserves the other introduced beneficials (the predatory mites for instance) and increases the presence of naturally occurring natural enemies (hoverfly larvae, lacewings…) resulting in a very good global pest control. I am really pleased with the results of FreasaProtect and I will continue to use it in the future.” concludes Mark.

Ms. Krüger-Bartz grows strawberries in the region of Straelen (North Rhine Westphalia). In order to minimize the use of pesticides, the control of pests is based on the principles of integrated pest management. For aphid control in her strawberry production, Ms. Krüger-Bartz uses FresaProtect: “It’s already a long time that I use beneficials in my crops. Used in a preventive strategy, they keep pests at a low level, and that is only in exceptional cases that a chemical correction is needed. In strawberries, many species of aphids can be a problem. The combination of six different species of parasitoids in FresaProtect controls all these aphid species without having to identify them. I’m really satisfied with the efficacy of FresaProtect, including on the potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae), which is more resistant to several insecticides. Obviously, I will continue to use FresaProtect in the future.”

PCH devotes a large part of its research to the strawberry crops. All aspects of this crop are examined. A major goal is to continuously improve the sustainability of the production of strawberries. Therefore, in respect to pest control, the PCH is resolutely turned towards IPM (Integrated pest management). Against aphids, the mix of parasitoids FresaProtect, is used in different production systems. “Strawberry growers know they must keep aphid populations under control and therefore make intervention in time. The concept of a mix of parasitoids is in this context an interesting tool because it can be introduced preventively in the crop. Furthermore, with the mix of parasitoids, it is not necessary to identify the aphids, which makes biological control easier for the grower” says Tom Van Delm. “A monitoring of aphid control is possible: by following the live aphids and mummies (parasitized aphids), we get a good assessment of the level of control. If it appears that the aphid population increases too quickly, despite the use of beneficials, it may be necessary to treat the pests chemically. In this case, the use of a compatible chemical insecticide is possible and/or new parasitoids may be reintroduced. It is also this flexibility, consistent with the philosophy of IPM, that I appreciate with the use of FresaProtect.” concludes Tom Van Delm.

Mr. Jolly spends annually about 2 ha of its Farm to grow strawberries (full ground cultivation in tunnel). The total production is marketed through direct sales on the farm. To provide a safe product to its customers and in the context of a global environmental reflection on the farm, Mr. Jolly has opted for an integrated approach for crop protection. “Against aphids, I use the cocktail of parasitoids, FresaProtect. Since it is on the market, I used this product every year with satisfaction. It is very easy to implement and offers a very good control of various aphid species. The variety I grow, Lambada, is very popular among the public but it is also very susceptible to attack of aphids. Since I use FresaProtect, aphids are no longer a concern. It is obvious that I will continue to use FresaProtect in the future. “

Clock House Farm in Maidstone specialises in the production of fruit (soft fruits, stone fruits and top fruits). It has been using FresaProtect in its strawberry crops, with excellent results. In Elsanta, control of the potato aphid has been spectacular. Production director James Dearing believes he has saved two to three sprays compared to previous strategies. In everbearer production (Amesti), FresaProtect even managed to keep aphids below the observation threshold. James affirms: “I am very pleased with the results of FresaProtect on the farm. Aphids were one of the pests for which we lacked a reliable biological solution, and the use of insecticides for aphids also affects the beneficial insects that control other pests. With FresaProtect, we can greatly reduce our insecticide use and maintain healthy populations of beneficials. We will certainly keep using FresaProtect on our strawberries.”

Beatrice Simeon produces strawberries (charlottes and other everbearers varieties) in the region of Nice (France). Because she is convinced of the environmental benefit and because there is a growing demand from consumers for healthier products, Ms. Simeon chose to work with an IPDM (integrated pest and disease management) strategy. “The use of beneficilas is obvious to me because I do not want to put any chemical pesticide on my crops and I did not find any alternative treatment. Against aphids, I use FresaProtect, the mix of parasitoids from Viridaxis. It is very simple to use and allows good control of various aphid species found on strawberries. “Mrs. Simeon concludes: “Since I use FresaProtect, aphids are no longer a concern and it is really appreciated.”

B R Brooks & Son at Langdon Manor Farm near Faversham in Kent, growing  strawberries and raspberries. In the past, aphid resistance to certain chemicals has been observed around the farm. The owner, Mr. Alastair Brooks, needed a reliable alternative, so FresaProtect was trialed in strawberries. Mr. Andrew Reeve, production manager affirmed, “ We used FresaProtect in our June bearer sonata production and had very good encouraging results with this product. A heavy infestation of potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) was controlled almost completely with lots of mummified aphids found in the crop. We are very impressed with the product and its ease of use even under fleece.

The PPK (Provinciaal Proefcentrum voor Kleinfruit, Pamel) in Belgium is an experimental station specialised in organic soft fruit production. In 2013, FresaProtect was used in a tunnel with the junebearer Candiss, an aphid sensitive strawberry variety. Releases started preventively in March just after covering the tunnels. The tubes were installed in the tunnel with the new hanging release devices to avoid predation by ants. Three species of aphids were observed in the crop (Chaetosiphon fragaefolii, Acyrtosiphon malvae and Macrosiphum euphorbiae). All were perfectly controlled and mummies from three different types (Praon volucre, Aphidius sp. and Aphelinus abdominalis) were found in the plot. No aphid damage was recorded until the end of harvest. Retrospectively, Yves Hendrickx, director of the PPK, says: « I am very pleased with the efficacy of FresaProtect. On the tested variety (Candiss), you must always fear aphid problems, even if the general pressure is low. Thanks to FresaProtect, those aphids were perfectly controlled. Without any doubt, I will continue to use FresaProtect in our strawberry trials in the future. »

The control of aphids throughout the cropping season until the end of harvest is perfectly assured by VIRIDAXIS’ products. Application is fast, easy, and safe. I will definitely continue to apply this concept to protect my crops in the future.