How to propagate Fitoverm for spider mite in a greenhouse? - briefly
Mix Fitoverm spores with a moist carrier (such as wheat bran), spread the mixture on trays, and incubate at 25 °C with >90 % relative humidity for 5–7 days until conidia form. Apply the harvested powder to greenhouse foliage with a calibrated sprayer, keeping leaves wet for at least 12 hours.
How to propagate Fitoverm for spider mite in a greenhouse? - in detail
Fitoverm, a biological agent targeting spider mite populations, can be mass‑produced in a greenhouse using a controlled propagation protocol. The process begins with selecting a suitable carrier substrate—commonly sterilized wheat bran, rice, or a proprietary organic medium. Substrate moisture must reach 55–60 % (wet weight) before inoculation; excess water leads to clumping, while insufficient moisture reduces fungal growth.
- Prepare the substrate in clean containers, autoclave at 121 °C for 30 minutes, then cool to ambient temperature.
- Distribute the inoculum (spores or mycelial fragments) at a rate of 1 × 10⁶ viable units per gram of substrate. Mix thoroughly to achieve uniform colonization.
- Seal containers with breathable filter patches to maintain gas exchange while preventing contamination.
- Incubate at 25 ± 2 °C with relative humidity of 80–90 %. Maintain darkness or low‑intensity light; excessive illumination hampers sporulation.
- Monitor mycelial development daily. After 5–7 days, a dense white mycelial mat indicates successful colonization.
- Induce sporulation by exposing the culture to a 12‑hour light/dark cycle and reducing temperature to 20 ± 1 °C for 48 hours. Humidity should remain above 85 % to facilitate spore formation.
- Harvest spores by gently shaking the substrate over a sterile sieve, collecting the fine powder that passes through. Dry the spores in a laminar flow cabinet at 30 °C for 12 hours to achieve a moisture content below 10 %.
For field application, disperse the dried spores using a calibrated granular spreader or a low‑volume mist blower. Apply at a rate of 0.5 kg per 1 000 m², ensuring even coverage of canopy surfaces where spider mites reside. Conduct applications during early morning or late evening to avoid UV degradation.
Post‑treatment monitoring involves weekly scouting of leaf samples. A reduction of mite counts by 70 % within two weeks confirms efficacy. If populations rebound, repeat the propagation cycle and re‑apply after a 10‑day interval, adjusting dosage based on observed pest pressure.
Maintain strict sanitation throughout the process: sterilize all tools, containers, and work surfaces; store propagated product in sealed, temperature‑controlled containers (4–10 °C) to preserve viability. Regularly test spore viability with a germination assay (≥90 % germination after 24 hours) to ensure product potency.