Crop protection specialist Certis Europe has been granted a patent for a method developed to produce Amblyseius swirskii, a predatory mite used to control thrips and whitefly, using the prey mite, Suidasia medanensis.
Amblyseius swirskii is used mainly in pepper and cucumber crops, but according to Certis Europe its potential is also increasingly being realised in the cut flower and ornamental plants industry.
The patent was reportedly granted by the European Patent Office in May 2011
'The ability of swirskii to become very rapidly established and suppress pest populations sets it apart from other beneficial organisms,' said a spokesperson for Certis.
'This development offers Certis Europe the strategic advantage of establishing new licensing and supply partnerships for Certis swirski.'
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