Because they are permanent pests of rose growers, possibly reducing even the most vigorous bushes to quilts of yellowing, stippled foliage and reduced flowering, spider mites can be a major problem. However, conventional chemical sprays, which are always tempting to use in case of immediate action against the mite population, might destroy the fragile rose blossom, and even leave the residues that are harmful to the quality of the blooms. Luckily, a new breed of solutions spearheaded by biological approach to spider mites control, like b bassiana and treatments like Beveria WP allows one to control the spider mites efficiently without harming the health and beauty of rose flowers.
Spider mites (mainly Tetranychus urticae) are tiny, arachnid pests which prefer to feed on the underside of rose foliage. By feeding on the plant they bore into the tissue and suck out the vital sap leaving the stippling or yellowing we are so familiar with. High infestation may result into the leaves falling, unhealthy plants, and in fewer flowers. This has necessitated gentle solutions that are sustainable and can pose any danger to the flowers.
Conventional pesticides may damage open rose bloom, mottle rose petals and indeed leave many pesticide residue on flowers, especially when production involves high value cut flowers. Overus and repetitive chemical usage may as well raise resistance by the spider mite populations, forcing growers to increase doses or rotate chemistries which may still have negative impacts on the crop and the beneficial insects. The need to find alternatives to conventional chemicals has not only become optional but also necessary due to pressure on the growers to produce clean roses that are free of residue and able to withstand market forces.
The same pests are controlled using biological controls that use the natural resistance of nature to protect against spider mites without damaging any beneficial insects or roses themselves. Beauveria bassiana, which is an entomopathogenic fungus, is one of the best biological control agents of spider mite. This active ingredient is used as a powder or wettable powder and directly infects and finally kills spider mites and grows inside body and disabling internal functions causing its death on contact.
The advantages of the usage of Beauveria bassiana powder and Beauveria bassiana related products are:
Beveria WP is a trade mix formulated using Beauveria bassiana and is especially applicable to eco-friendly and organic farmers who require secure and effective control of spiders mites. It comes in a form of a wettable powder and it is only applied as a foliar spray by simply mixing it with water and letting it coat the leaf surfaces, which is where the mites dwell. It is especially imperative to spray the undersides of leaves which are where the spider mites settle and lays her eggs.
Application Guidance:
Mixing: As foliar spray, a rate of 0.51.0 gram of Beveria WP per liter of water should usually be used.
Coverage: The importance of thorough even covering, particularly both sides of the leaves and any observed web-like structures are all-important.
Time: It should be applied in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are low and humidity is high- conditions that enable the enhancement of the fungus to grow and infect the mites.
Reapplication: Repeat applications on a 7-10 day interval as necessary until mites are reduced in number since biological control agents are slower than chemicals.
Combining multiple spider mite biological control strategies provides the strongest control of spider mite. Combine with beauveria bassiana insecticida such as Beveria WP, microbial foliage sprays (Gliocladium roseum products) and promote natural predators such as predatory mites (Phytoseiulus and Amblyseius species), and ensure good rose health by good irrigation and regular scouting looking for early evidence of mite infestation. Sharp soaps or oils or systemic chemicals must not be routinely used except during high flower set or bloom.
Laboratory and field demonstrations by scientists, and grower testimonies, show that by spraying with Beveria WP and other Beauveria bassiana products, the levels of spider mites can be reduced drastically without negatively affecting the rose petals or quality of the harvest. Since Beauveria bassiana action is pest-specific and not involving residue formation, roses that were sprayed with this biological agent did not lose their fragrance, color, or shelf life, which is of paramount importance to the would-be gardeners and commercial florists.
It is no longer a choice of treating spider mites on roses and having beautiful blooms or doing a good job getting the mites under control. Control biologico de plagas agricolas can also be applied using new options in Beauveria bassiana powder without causing the alternative harm of chemical sprays. A safe, sustainable choice is available in the form of products such as Beveria WP; it provides the consumer with the ability to grow beautiful, healthy roses, all season long, and blemish-free flowers.
