Greenhouses provide optimal conditions for crops but also for pests like soft scales. Left unmanaged, soft scales weaken plants through sap feeding, produce honeydew that encourages sooty mold, and attract ants that protect them. While chemical treatments are an option, they can disrupt beneficial insects and lead to resistance.
ChrysoLiv (Chrysoperla carnea), the green lacewing, is a crucial part of integrated pest management (IPM). Lacewing larvae actively hunt soft scales, reducing populations before they mature. Adults feed on pollen, nectar, and honeydew, sustaining lacewing populations for ongoing pest suppression. Beyond soft scales, ChrysoLiv also targets aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and other soft-bodied pests, making it a versatile greenhouse IPM solution.
Feeding Habits
Lacewing larvae are voracious predators, hunting soft scale crawlers on leaves and stems. They pierce prey with sharp mandibles, inject digestive enzymes, and consume the internal contents, rapidly reducing crawler populations before they settle and mature. Adults feed on pollen, nectar, and honeydew to sustain reproduction and lay eggs near pest hotspots for continuous control.
Life Cycle and Predatory Role
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Egg Stage: Eggs are laid individually on silk stalks, usually under leaves near pest colonies. ChrysoLiv-E (eggs) can be applied preventatively to ensure larvae hatch near soft scale crawlers.
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Larval Stage: Primary predatory stage, actively feeding on soft scale crawlers. Each larva can consume large numbers of pests, preventing honeydew buildup and plant stress.
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Pupal Stage: Larvae spin a silk cocoon to pupate for ~7 days, maintaining population turnover and a steady supply of adults.
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Adult Stage: Feed on pollen, nectar, and honeydew. Adults lay eggs near soft scale populations, ensuring new larvae have immediate access to prey. ChrysoLiv-A supports long-term control and continuous predator presence.
Key Benefits
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Benefit |
Description |
|
Preventative |
Introduce early to suppress crawler populations before they mature |
|
Broad-Spectrum Protection |
Effective against soft scales, aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and other soft-bodied pests; compatible with other beneficials |
Application Guidelines
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ChrysoLiv-L (Larvae): Sprinkle evenly onto plants where crawlers are present; ideal for curative action in hotspots.
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ChrysoLiv-E (Eggs): Apply directly to dry crop areas or hang jute strings for preventive introductions.
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ChrysoLiv-A (Adults): Open containers to allow natural dispersal; adults lay eggs near pest populations for sustained control.
Storage and Handling
Use immediately after delivery. For short-term storage:
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Keep at 10 °C with ~60% relative humidity for no more than 1 day.
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Do not refrigerate or freeze.
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Optimal performance occurs at 20–25 °C with humidity above 60%.
Release Strategy
Proactive releases establish ChrysoLiv populations before soft scales mature and spread. Regular monitoring and adjustment based on crop conditions and crawler activity are essential for effective control.