NEPH-TEC
Nephus kamburovi is a generalist predator of mealybug.
Targets
NEPH-TEC is a generalist predator of mealybug feeding on the eggs and small life stages thereof. The adult beetles as well as the larval stages prey on mealybug.
Description
Nephus kamburovi is a small predatory beetle from the Coccinellidae family. Adult beetles are about 1.5mm in length, are mainly dark brow to black in color with two light brown dots on the rear end of the elytra. The larva is a yellowish cream color and has long curled white filaments over its body.
Crops
NEPH-TEC can be used in a variety of crops including citrus, vines and pome fruit.
Life cycle and Biology
Nephus kamburovi lays its eggs in the vicinity of its mealybug prey, on average an adult female can lay up to 150 eggs in her lifetime. After hatching the larvae immediately start feeding on mealybug eggs and small nymph stages. Both the adult and larval stages feed on mealybug. It takes Nephus kamburovi 25-28 days to complete the life cycle from egg to adult and adult beetles live for about 50 days.
The duration of all life stages is dependent on the ambient temperature. The upper and lower temperature tolerance of Nephus kamburovi is 20°C and 35°C respectively.
NEPH-TEC as a product
- NEPH-TEC contains adult Nephus kamburovi beetles and honey strips for nutrition.
- Available format – 100 adult beetles per package.
- NEPH-TEC is packed in Insectec’s biodegradable packaging made from cardboard and biodegradable white lids, reducing waste in the agricultural system.
Storage
- NEPH-TEC will reach you in a sealed Styrofoam box with the appropriate cooling inside. The box should be kept sealed until you are ready to apply the product.
- If NEPH-TEC is not applied immediately the box should be kept in a cool room. Do not keep NEPH-TEC for longer than 24 hours before application.
- DO NOT REFRIGERATE OR FREEZE
- Keep out of direct sunlight.
- Do not store close to chemical pesticides.
Application
NEPH-TEC has a simple and fast in-field application method:
Step 1: Find the right spot – inside the tree or crop in as little sun as possible.
Step 2: Use the elastic band to attach the container to a sturdy perch.
Step 3: Remove the sticker from the emergence hole to allow the beetles to fly out. Alternatively, the beetles can be gently shaken from the packaging onto the plants in the vicinity of the prey.
Step 4: NEPH-TEC should be released early in the morning or late in the afternoon in mild temperatures.
Release rates and frequency
|
|
Release rate |
Frequency |
|
Light curative |
1 000 |
X2 |
|
Medium curative |
1 500 |
X2 |
|
Heavy curative |
2 000 |
X2 |
**This is a guideline only. Release rates and frequencies might differ depending on mealybug species, type of crop, geographical area, and time of year.
Benefits of using NEPH-TEC
- NEPH-TEC is safe for non-target organisms.
- It is safe for humans and the environment, making it a sustainable crop protection method.
- NEPH-TEC complements ANA-TEC and COCCI-TEC.
- Can be used in open field systems and in greenhouses or netted structures
Tips
- NEPH-TEC can be used in with many chemical pesticides, but it is always best to consult with your Insectec field advisor before using these products with NEPH-TEC.
- Control ants before introducing NEPH-TEC to the crop.