Greenhouse environments allow crops to flourish, but they also create ideal conditions for pests like mealybugs. Left unmanaged, these pests can spread rapidly and weaken plants. While chemical pesticides are sometimes used, they can disrupt natural enemies and lead to resistance issues over time.
This is where ChrysoLiv (Chrysoperla carnea), commonly known as the green lacewing, becomes a valuable tool in integrated pest management (IPM). Lacewing larvae are powerful predators that actively feed on mealybugs and other soft-bodied pests, while adults sustain themselves on nectar, pollen, and honeydew, making them completely safe for crops and beneficial in maintaining long-term predator populations.
Life Cycle:
ChrysoLiv (C. carnea) undergoes complete metamorphosis, with each stage playing a role in its effectiveness as a biological control agent.
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Eggs: Laid individually on fine silk stalks, usually on the underside of leaves. Hatch within 3–4 days.
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Larvae: The most predatory stage, lasting 5 days. Each larva can consume large numbers of mealybugs and other pests.
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Pupation: Occurs in a cocoon for about 7 days before adults emerge.
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Adults: Begin reproducing within 3 days. Females lay 300–600 eggs during their 6–7 week lifespan.
The complete cycle from egg to adult takes about 25 days, ensuring rapid establishment in cropping systems.
Key Benefits:
|
Benefit |
Description |
|
Aggressive Feeding |
Larvae actively hunt and consume mealybugs and other soft bodied prey, quickly reducing infestations. |
|
Preventative & Curative Use |
Effective when released early to prevent outbreaks or later when pest pressure is high. |
|
Broad-Spectrum Protection |
Strong searching ability and effectiveness against multiple soft-bodied pests in crops. |
Application Guidelines:
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Larvae (ChrysoLiv-L): Sprinkle evenly onto infested plants.
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Eggs (ChrysoLiv-E): Apply directly to dry crop areas or hang jute strings for even dispersal.
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Adults (ChrysoLiv-A): Open containers to allow natural dispersal into the crop.
Storage and Handling:
ChrysoLiv (C. carnea) should ideally be used immediately upon delivery. If short-term storage is necessary, keep at 10 °C with ~60% relative humidity for no longer than one day. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Best performance occurs at 20–25 °C with humidity above 60%.
Release Strategy:
To maximize control, releases should be tailored to pest pressure:
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Preventative: Apply early to establish lacewing populations before infestations occur.
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Curative: Increase release rates in areas with high mealybug pressure, ensuring sufficient larvae are available to feed on active pests.