Research and Development
Technology
A quite unique production method: the use of capsules to produce the parasitoids.
Parasitoïde Aphidius rhopalosiphi occupé à pondre
dans des pucerons Sitobion avenae sur froment.
Film réalisé au laboratoire d'Ecologie et
de Biogéographie de l'UCL par Olivier Lebbe.
VIRIDAXIS holds an exclusive patent for the use of biopolymer capsules containing powdered crustacean and algae extracts that reproduce the physiology of the aphid. Due to an ingenious interplay of smells, the parasitoid is lured to the target and lays its eggs inside the capsule. The artificial food inside the capsule allows the parasitoid larva to develop as though inside a real aphid.
Parasitoid production from capsules involves several stages.
- Reconnaissance and laying.
- Hatching and larval development in the nutrient solution.
- Pupation.
- Emergence of the adult.
For further information see our patent:
http://www.wipo.int/pctdb/en/wo.jsp?wo=2003000047
New products
Development of new species of parasitoids to control aphids on different crops.
| Parasitoid | Target aphid | Target crops |
|---|---|---|
| Aphidius matricariae | Myzus persicae, Aphis fabae, Aphis gossypii, Aulacorthum solani, Dysaphis plantaginea | Cucumbers, capsicums, aubergines, chrysanthemums, apples, strawberries, etc. |
| Aphidius ervi | Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Aulacorthum solani, Rhodobium porosum | Cucumbers, capsicums, chrysanthemums, aubergines, roses, strawberries, etc. |
| Aphidius eglanteriae | Chaetosiphon fragaefolii | Strawberries |
| Aphidius rhopalosiphi | Methopolophium dirhodum, Sitobion avenae, Rhopalosiphum padi |
Cereals |
| Diaeretiella rapae | Brevicoryne brassicae | Cabbages |
| Ephedrus cerasicola | Myzus persicae, Aulacorthum solani, Dysaphis plantaginea | Cucumbers, capsicums, aubergines, chrysanthemums, apples |
| Ephedrus sp. | Chaetosiphon fragaefolii | Strawberries |
| Praon volucre | Aulacorthum solani | Cucumbers, capsicums, aubergines, tomatoes, etc. |
| Lysiphlebus testaceipes | Aulacorthum solani | Cucumbers, capsicums, aubergines, tomatoes, etc. |
If you are a professional who would like to carry out release tests in the field in cooperation with us, please do not hesitate to contact us.