Greenhouses provide the perfect conditions for crops to thrive, but they also create ideal environments for pests like aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and mites. Left unchecked, these pests can spread quickly and cause serious crop damage. While chemical control is one option, it often disrupts beneficial insects and can lead to resistance issues over time.
This is where ChrysoLiv (Chrysoperla carnea), commonly known as the green lacewing, has become an essential tool in integrated pest management (IPM). The larvae of this insect, sometimes called “aphid lions,” are voracious predators capable of consuming hundreds of aphids during their development. Adults, on the other hand, feed on pollen, nectar, and honeydew, making them safe to crops and an important part of sustaining lacewing populations.
In addition to aphids, they help target thrips, whiteflies, and even small caterpillars, making them a strong choice for any IPM program.
Life Cycle:
Chrysoperla carnea follows a complete metamorphosis, with each stage contributing to its role as an effective biocontrol agent.
Eggs are laid individually on fine silk stalks, usually on the underside of leaves, and hatch in 3–4 days.
The larval stage, often referred to as “aphid lions,” lasts 12–15 days and is the most predatory phase. Each larva can consume hundreds of aphids and other soft-bodied pests before spinning a cocoon.
Pupation occurs within the cocoon over about 7 days, after which adults emerge.
Adults begin reproducing within 5–6 days, with females capable of laying 300–600 eggs during their 6–7 week lifespan. Under optimal conditions, the full development cycle from egg to adult takes approximately 25 days, ensuring rapid population establishment in cropping systems.
Key Benefits:
|
Benefit |
Description |
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Aggressive Feeding |
Larvae are voracious predators, quickly reducing pest hotspots. |
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Preventative & Curative Use |
Can be released early to prevent outbreaks or curatively when pest pressure is high. |
|
Broad-Spectrum Protection |
Strong searching ability and a wide host range make them effective against multiple pests in greenhouse crops. |
Application Guidelines:
ChrysoLiv should be released as soon as possible upon arrival, particularly ChrysoLiv-L (larvae), since they are highly cannibalistic and will attack each other if stored too long. For best results, releases should be made early and preventatively, before pest outbreaks occur. Banker plants can be used to sustain lacewing populations in the crop until pest pressure develops.
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ChrysoLiv-L (Larvae): Sprinkle larvae evenly onto infested plants while gently rotating the bottle.
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ChrysoLiv-E (Eggs): Apply directly to dry areas of the crop or hang jute strings within the canopy for distribution.
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ChrysoLiv-A (Adults): Open the container to allow adults to disperse naturally into the crop.
Storage and Handling:
ChrysoLiv products should ideally be used immediately after delivery. If short-term storage is unavoidable, keep at 10°C with ~60% relative humidity for no longer than one day. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Optimal performance occurs at 20–25°C with humidity above 60%.
Release Strategy:
To establish effective predator populations, releases should be made preventatively and adjusted according to pest pressure:
Preventative Releases:
Curative Releases
Effective biocontrol requires proactive planning. Preventative use ensures ChrysoLiv populations are established before pests reach damaging levels. Regular monitoring and adjustments based on crop conditions and pest pressure are essential for success.