Publication #IPM-146

Topics: Entomology and Nematology | Leppla, Norman C | Johnson, Kenneth L II | Biological Control

Guidelines for Purchasing and Using Commercial Natural Enemies and Biopesticides in Florida and Other States ¹

Norman C. Leppla and Kenneth L. Johnson II²

This guide provides assistance in selecting, purchasing and using commercially available natural enemies and biopesticides for managing accurately diagnosed pest problems. It therefore applies only to situations in which the cause of a pest problem is known and a biological control solution is sought. To choose a commercial natural enemy product, first use Table 1 to select the habitat of your plant or animal pest problem and identify the insect or mite pest. Then select the types of natural enemies (parasitic nematodes, predatory mites, predatory insects, and parasitic wasps) and biopesticides available to manage these pests. The reference numbers correspond with the numbered scientific names of natural enemy and biopesticide products in Tables 2-6. Table 6 provides the scientific and product names and target pests for some of the most common microbial insecticides, nematicides and fungicides that often can be used alone or, if compatible, in combination with insect and mite natural enemies. Biopesticides included in Table 6, but not referenced in Table 1, are an insecticide for mosquito larvae (#62), another for grasshoppers (#64), a nematicide for nematodes that damage plants (#69), and eight microbial fungicides (#70-77). The biological control companies named in these tables are listed alphabetically in Table 7, along with their websites. Sources of information on obtaining and using commercial natural enemies follow in the next section.

Figure 1.

[Click to enlarge]

[Click thumbnail to enlarge.]

The guide is limited to 56 commercial natural enemy products (nematodes, mites, and insects) and 21 biopesticides that appear to be useful and available from 51 primary sources for use in Florida. These products often are also suitable for use in other states, particularly in the Southeast. Specialized products, such as those used for weed management, and natural enemies produced primarily for other states and Canada have been excluded. Companies not included were most garden centers, those with very limited geographic markets or product lines, suppliers without websites, governmental and other non-commercial producers, so-called big-box stores, and sources for which information was difficult to find or use. Almost half of the companies listed in Table 7 are members of the Association of Natural Biocontrol Producers (ANBP). Producers and suppliers belonging to ANBP are preferred because they adhere to a quality assurance policy and code of ethics for the industry, and promote research and education on the use of natural enemies. Additional biological control products and sources can be derived from the internet.

Biological control companies typically provide customer service to help assure that their products are effective. Information they supply includes the availability and cost of natural enemies and biopesticides, descriptions of target pests and their biology, and recommendations for applying and evaluating their products. Product instructions usually indicate the habitats and seasons in which the pests are encountered, developmental stages that are susceptible to parasitism or predation, and relevant behavior of the natural enemies, e.g. how far they move and how many pests they can parasitize or consume. Products often can be used in combination when there is more than one pest problem, and sometimes a product will manage a pest for which it was not intended. The companies only sell biological control products that have been tested thoroughly and receive federal and state approval to assure that they can be released into the environment safely. The products are marketed directly by producers or provided by suppliers after obtaining the necessary permits for natural enemies or EPA registrations for biopesticides.

Customers who use biological control products generally want to be directly involved in solving their pest problems. This involvement is essential because products must first be selected and deployed according to general instructions and subsequently evaluated for site-specific effectiveness. It may be necessary to try different products or application procedures, or to modify the environment in ways that enhance the impact of natural enemies. This may involve changing how plants are grown or adding food, companion plants and refuges for natural enemies. The effects of commercial natural enemies can be limited to the stage that is released or be long-term if they reproduce and become established. Typically, several pests are present and, if some must be managed with pesticides, it is necessary to know which pesticides are compatible with the natural enemies. Other considerations are how to release the natural enemies and in what developmental stage. They can be introduced, for example, on special plants with non-pest hosts, so called “banker plants,” added as eggs, or allowed to fly from release containers. These kinds of considerations may be addressed in instructions from the source companies or gleaned from the references in this guide.

Sources of information on obtaining and using commercial natural enemies and biopesticides

Association of Natural Biocontrol Producers (ANBP) Website (http://www.anbp.org). [This is a global commercial biological control organization with members primarily in the U.S. and Canada. The website lists 17 producers, 14 distributors, 3 practitioners, 3 contributing members, and 43 associate members. Most of the producers and distributors list their products.]

Copping, L. G. (ed.). 2001. The BioPesticide Manual. British Crop Protection Council. Surrey, UK. 528 p. [This book contains a comprehensive listing and technical descriptions of biopesticides.]

Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS) Website (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/) . [The EDIS Web site is a comprehensive, single-source repository of all current UF/IFAS numbered peer-reviewed publications. The database is searchable by topic, e.g., agriculture or lawn and garden, and by key words.]

Featured Creatures Website (http://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/) . [This is a set of in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms. The database is searchable by common name, scientific name, crop or habitat, higher classification, and recent additions.]

Flint, M. L., S. H. Dreistadt, and J. K. Clark. 1998. Natural Enemies Handbook. University of California Integrated Pest Management Project. University of California Press, Los Angeles. 154 p. [This book can be used to identify and use many of the most common natural enemies. It contains a considerable amount of information about biological control, including the toxicity to natural enemies of selected insecticides and acaracides.]

Gerson, U., R. L. Smiley, and R. Ochoa. 2003. Mites (Acari) for Pest Control. Wiley-Blackwell. 560 p. [This book describes 34 acarine families that contain mites useful for the control of pest mites, insects, nematodes and weeds. It also contains information on using the mites.]

Hoffman, M. P., and A. C. Frodsham. 1993. Natural Enemies of Vegetable Insect Pests. Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. 63 p. [This book facilitates identification of the major parasites and predators of insect pests of vegetables. It also contains information on entomopathogenic nematodes and microbial insecticides.]

Hunter, C. D. 1997. Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms in North America. California Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Pesticide Regulation. 32 p. (http://www.cdpr.ca.gov). [This book has been the most comprehensive catalogue of commercial biological control products in North America, but the list of producers and suppliers is out of date.]

International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA) Website (http://www.ibma.ch) . [This is a global commercial biological control organization with members primarily in Europe. The website has an Invertebrate Biocontrol Agents (IBCA) Professional Group for producers of macroorganisms (insects, mites and entomopathogenic nematodes). This group has 54 members.]

The IPM Practitioner. 2001. 23:3-37. (http://www.birc.org/products.pdf). [This publication is a useful reference, but the list of producers and suppliers is out of date.]

IR-4. 2010. Searchable Database for Biopesticide and Organic Pest Management Solutions (http://www.ir4.rutgers.edu/Biopesticides/Labeldatabase/index.cfm). [Search categories include commercial crops, commercial turf and ornamentals, residential food crops, residential turf and ornamentals, pest problems (insects, diseases, weeds, nematodes, and animals), plant growth regulators, and states.]

Malais, M. H., and W. J. Ravensberg. 1992. Knowing and Recognizing (Revised Edition). Koppert Biological Systems. Reed Business Information. 288 p. [This book describes major plant pests and their natural enemies. A newer edition is available from Koppert, (http://www.koppert.com/) . This website also has information on the toxicity to natural enemies of selected pesticides.]

Martin, K. W., and D. D. Thomas. 2009. Florida's Major Agricultural Pests. University of Florida, IFAS Extension CD. [This compact disc contains photographs of almost 100 of Florida's major agricultural pests, including adults, larvae, or nymphs and the damage they cause. Information on the CD is available online from IPM Florida (http://ipm.ifas.ufl.edu).]

Natural Resources Canada, Insect Producer Database Website (http://www.insect.glfc.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/) . [This database contains a listing of insects available from producers.]

Thomson, W. T. 1992. A Worldwide Guide to Beneficial Animals Used for Pest Control Purposes. W. T. Thomson Publishing. Fresno, CA. 92 p. [This book is a practical guide to use of the 72 most common species of commercial beneficial insects, mites, and nematodes for biological pest control. It includes an out-of-date list of companies that sell the natural enemies.]

Acknowledgment

The authors thank Howard Frank (University of Florida) for a very thorough scientific review of the manuscript and John Capinera (University of Florida) for guidance on its structure. Carol Glenister (IPM Laboratories) provided an expert review as a producer and supplier of natural enemies. An excellent review from a Cooperative Extension perspective was contributed by Kris Braman (University of Georgia). This information was assembled in response to many requests by Florida citizens for guidance in purchasing and using commercial natural enemies.

Tables

Table 1.

Habitats of plant or animal pests in Florida, typical pests, type of commercial natural enemies available to manage each pest, and species reference number.

Habitats of Plant or Animal Pests	Identified Pest	Commercial Natural Enemies
Habitats of Plant or Animal Pests	Identified Pest	Type	No. ( see Tables 2-6)
Citrus	aphids	predatory insects	21, 26, 28, 30-32
	aphids	microbial insecticides	63, 66
	beetles (grubs)	parasitic nematodes	3
	beetles (grubs)	microbial insecticides	60, 63, 67
	caterpillars	predatory insects	29-32
		parasitic wasps	54, 55
		microbial insecticides	57, 59, 65, 67
	mealybugs	predatory insects	19, 22
	mealybugs	parasitic wasps	44
	mites	predatory mites	11, 13
	scales	predatory insects	22
	scales	parasitic wasps	35, 45
	thrips	predatory mites	14
		predatory insects	28
		microbial insecticides	67
	whiteflies	predatory insects	20, 28, 30-32
Fruits and Vegetables	aphids	predatory insects	21, 26, 28, 30-32
		parasitic wasps	34, 39-41
		microbial insecticides	63, 66
	beetles (grubs)	parasitic nematodes	2
		predatory insects	29
		parasitic wasps	47
		microbial insecticides	60, 61, 63, 67
	caterpillars	predatory insects	20, 30-32
		parasitic wasps	42, 54-56
		microbial insecticides	57, 59, 65, 67
	fungus gnats	predatory insects	25
	fungus gnats	microbial insecticides	58
	leafminers	parasitic wasps	43, 46
	leafminers	microbial insecticides	67
	mealybugs	predatory insects	19, 22
	mites	predatory mites	10-13, 15, 16, 18
	mites	predatory insects	27, 33
	scales	predatory insects	22, 23
	thrips	predatory mites	11, 12
		predatory insects	25, 28, 30-32
		microbial insecticides	67
	whiteflies	predatory mites	14
	whiteflies	predatory insects	20, 28, 30-32
Ornamental Plants and Landscapes	aphids	predatory insects	21, 26, 28, 30-32
		parasitic wasps	34, 39-41
		microbial insecticides	63, 66, 67
	beetles (grubs)	parasitic nematodes	1-3, 8
		predatory insects	29-32
		microbial insecticides	60, 61, 63, 67
	caterpillars	parasitic wasps	54, 56
	caterpillars	microbial insecticides	57, 59, 65, 67
	fungus gnats	parasitic nematodes	5, 8
		predatory mites	9
		predatory insects	25
		microbial insecticides	58
	leafminers	parasitic nematodes	5
		parasitic wasps	43, 46
		microbial insecticides	67
	mealybugs	parasitic nematodes	1
		predatory insects	19, 22
		parasitic wasps	45
	mites	predatory mites	10-13, 16-18
	mites	predatory insects	27
	scales	predatory insects	22, 23
	thrips	parasitic nematodes	5, 8, 9
		predatory mites	11, 12, 14
		predatory insects	25, 28, 30-32
		microbial insecticides	67
	whiteflies	predatory mites	14
	whiteflies	predatory insects	20, 28, 30-32
Greenhouses and Interiorscapes	aphids	predatory insects	21, 26
		parasitic wasps	34, 36, 39-41
		microbial insecticides	63, 66, 68
	caterpillars	parasitic wasps	54
	caterpillars	microbial insecticides	57, 59, 65, 67
	fungus gnats	parasitic nematodes	4
		predatory mites	9
		predatory insects	25
		microbial insecticides	58
	leafminers	parasitic wasps	43, 46
	leafminers	microbial insecticides	67
	mealybugs	predatory insects	19
	mealybugs	parasitic wasps	44
	mites	predatory mites	10, 11, 13, 16-18
	mites	predatory insects	27
	scales	predatory insects	23
	scales	parasitic wasps	35, 45
	thrips	predatory mites	9, 11
		predatory insects	25
		microbial insecticides	67
	whiteflies	predatory insects	20
	whiteflies	parasitic wasps	36-38
Turf and Lawns	caterpillars	parasitic nematodes	7
	caterpillars	microbial insecticides	57, 59, 65, 67
	beetles (grubs)	parasitic nematodes	7, 8
	beetles (grubs)	microbial insecticides	60, 63, 67
	mole crickets	parasitic nematodes	6, 8
Animal Waste	filth flies	predatory insects	24
Animal Waste	filth flies	parasitic wasps	48-53

Table 2.

Parasitic nematodes. Numbered biological control products (family, genus, and species), some target pests and source companies.

PARASITIC NEMATODES
Heterorhabditidae	Source Company (see Table 7)
1. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (cucumber, scarab, Japanese, and flea beetles, thrips, white grubs, corn root worms, Colorado potato beetles, black vine weevils, and root mealybugs, on ornamentals, trees, and shrubs)	ARBICO ∙ Andermatt ∙ Beneficial Insect Company ∙ Biobest ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ BioLogic ∙ Bioworks ∙ Buglogical Control ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ International Technology ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Koppert ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Peaceful Valley ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Sound Horticulture
2. Heterorhabditis megidis (vine weevil larvae on ornamentals, trees, shrubs, and strawberries)	Andermatt ∙ BCP Certis ∙ Biobest ∙ International Technology ∙ Koppert ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Nature's Control ∙ Plant Products ∙ Syngenta Bioline
*3. Heterorhabditis* spp.** (vine weevil larvae and other soil borne beetle larvae on ornamentals, trees, and shrubs)	Beneficial Insect Company ∙ Gardens Alive ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ International Technology ∙ Koppert ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Nature's Control
Steinernematidae
4. Steinernema carpocapsae (fungus gnats on potted plants)	Andermatt ∙ ARBICO ∙ Becker Underwood ∙ Beneficial Insect Company ∙ Biobest ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ Biofac ∙ BioLogic ∙ Buglogical Control ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ Gardens Alive ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Harmony Farm Supply ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ International Technology ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Koppert ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Peaceful Valley ∙ Sound Horticulture ∙ Three Trees Farm
5. Steinernema feltiae (thrips, fungus gnats, and leafminers on ornamentals)	Andermatt ∙ ARBICO ∙ BCP Certis ∙ Becker Underwood ∙ Biobest ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ BioLogic ∙ Bioworks ∙ Buglogical Control ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ Gardens Alive ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ International Technology ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Koppert ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Peaceful Valley ∙ Planet Natural ∙ Plant Products ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Sound Horticulture ∙ Syngenta Bioline
6. Steinernema scapterisci (mole crickets in turf and lawns)	Becker Underwood
7. Steinernema spp. (grubs, caterpillars, and fungus gnats)	Hydro-Gardens ∙ International Technology
8. Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis spp. mix (soil borne pests)	Hydro-Gardens ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Nature's Control ∙ North Country

Table 3.

Predatory mites. Numbered biological control products (family, genus, and species), some target pests and source companies.

PREDATORY MITES
Laelapidae	Source Company (see Table 7)
9. Stratiolaelaps miles (also called Hypoaspis miles and Stratiolaelaps scimitus) (fungus gnats and thrips on potted plants, bedding plants, and seedlings)	Applied Bio-nomics ∙ ARBICO ∙ BCP Certis ∙ Biobest ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ Buglogical Control ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ Evergreen ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ International Technology ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Koppert ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Nature's Control ∙ Peaceful Valley ∙ Plant Products ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Sound Horticulture ∙ Syngenta Bioline
Phytoseiidae
10. Amblyseius californicus (also called Neoseiulus californicus) (two-spotted spider, broad and cyclamen mites on ornamentals, vegetables, fruits, and potted plants)	American Insectaries ∙ ARBICO ∙ Associates Insectary ∙ BCP Certis ∙ Biobest ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ Biotactics ∙ Buglogical Control ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Harmony Farm Supply ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ International Technology ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Koppert ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Natural Pest Controls ∙ Nature's Control ∙ Peaceful Valley ∙ Plant Products ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Sterling Insectary ∙ Syngenta Bioline
11. Amblyseius cucumeris (two-spotted spider mites, flower thrips, and tarsonemid mites on all crops)	American Insectaries ∙ Applied Bio-nomics ∙ ARBICO ∙ BCP Certis ∙ Biobest ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ Buglogical Control ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ Evergreen ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Harmony Farm Supply ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ International Technology ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Koppert ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Natural Pest Controls ∙ Nature's Control ∙ Peaceful Valley ∙ Planet Natural ∙ Plant Products ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Sound Horticulture ∙ Syngenta Bioline
12. Amblyseius degenerans (also called Iphiseius degenerans) (thrips, broad mites, and spider mites on peppers and ornamentals)	Biobest ∙ International Technology ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Plant Products∙ Syngenta Bioline
13. Amblyseius fallacis (also called Neoseiulus fallacies) (two-spotted spider mites, European red mites, bamboo mites, and citrus red mites on all crops)	Applied Bio-nomics ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ Biotactics ∙ Evergreen ∙ The Green Spot ∙ IPM Labs ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Plant Products ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Sound Horticulture
14. Amblyseius swirskii (whiteflies and thrips on ornamentals)	Biobest ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ International Technology ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Koppert ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Plant Products ∙ Syngenta Bioline
15. Galendromus helveolus (persea mites on avocado)	American Insectaries ∙ Rincon-Vitova (currently not produced)
16. Galendromus occidentalis (spider, eriophyid, and russet mites on ornamentals and vegetables in greenhouses and interiorscapes)	American Insectaries ∙ ARBICO ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ Biotactics ∙ Buglogical Control ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Harmony Farm Supply ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ IPM Labs ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Natural Pest Controls ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Sterling Insectary
17. Mesoseiulus longipes (also called Phytoseiulus longipes) (two-spotted spider mites in greenhouses and interiorscapes)	American Insectaries ∙ ARBICO ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ Biotactics ∙ Buglogical Control ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Harmony Farm Supply ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ IPM Labs ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Nature's Control ∙ Peaceful Valley ∙ Rincon-Vitova
18. Phytoseiulus persimilis (spider mites on all crops)	American Insectaries ∙ Applied Bio-nomics ∙ ARBICO ∙ BCP Certis ∙ Biobest ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ Biotactics ∙ Buglogical Control ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ Evergreen ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Harmony Farm Supply ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ International Technology ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Koppert ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Natural Pest Controls ∙ Nature's Control ∙ Peaceful Valley ∙ Planet Natural ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Sound Horticulture ∙ Syngenta Bioline

Table 4.

Predatory insects. Numbered biological control products (family, genus and species), some target pests and source companies.

PREDATORY INSECTS
Coleoptera
Coccinellidae	Source Company (see Table 7)
19. Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mealybug destroyer (mealybugs on citrus, ornamentals, and vegetables, and in greenhouses and interiorscapes)	American Insectaries ∙ ARBICO ∙ Associates Insectary ∙ BCP Certis ∙ Biobest ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ Buglogical Control ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ Evergreen ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ International Technology ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Koppert ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Natural Pest Controls ∙ Nature's Control ∙ Peaceful Valley ∙ Planet Natural ∙ Plant Products ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Sound Horticulture ∙ Sterling Insectary ∙ Syngenta Bioline
20. Delphastus catalinae Whitefly predator (greenhouse, banded-winged, sweetpotato, woolly, azalea, hibiscus, cloudywinged, citrus and rhododendron whiteflies on ornamentals, vegetables, fruit, and citrus, and in greenhouses and interiorscapes)	American Insectaries ∙ Applied Bio-nomics ∙ ARBICO ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ Evergreen ∙ The Green Spot ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Sound Horticulture
21. Hippodamia convergens Ladybeetle (aphids, scales, and thrips in citrus, ornamentals, fruits and vegetables, and in greenhouses and interiorscapes)	A-1 Unique ∙ American Insectaries ∙ ARBICO ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ Biofac ∙ BioLogic ∙ Buglogical Control ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ Evergreen ∙ Gardens Alive ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Harmony Farm Supply ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Kunafin ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Natural Pest Controls ∙ Nature's Control ∙ Peaceful Valley ∙ Planet Natural ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Sound Horticulture ∙ Three Trees Farm
22. Rhyzobius lophanthae (also called Lindorus lophanthae) (hard and soft scales and mealybugs on ornamentals, vegetables, citrus, and fruit)	Biocontrol Network ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ IPM Labs ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Rincon-Vitova
Cybocephalidae
23. Cybocephalus nipponicus Scale picnic beetle (euonymus and San Jose scale on ornamentals, vegetables, and fruits, and in greenhouses and interiorscapes)	The Green Spot ∙ IPM Labs
Histeridae
24. Carcinops pumilio (flies in garbage, manure, and compost)	IPM Labs
Staphylinidae
*25. Dalotia coriaria* (also called Atheta coriaria) (fungus gnats, shore flies, and thrips in vegetables and ornamentals, and in greenhouses and interiorscapes)	Applied Bio-nomics ∙ Biobest ∙ Evergreen ∙ The Green Spot ∙ International Technology ∙ IPM Labs ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Plant Products ∙ Sound Horticulture ∙ Syngenta Bioline
Diptera
Cecidomyiidae
26. Aphidoletes aphidimyza (aphids in citrus, ornamentals, fruits and vegetables, and in greenhouses and interiorscapes)	American Insectaries ∙ Applied Bio-nomics ∙ ARBICO ∙ BCP Certis ∙ Biobest ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ Buglogical Control ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ Evergreen ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ International Technology ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Koppert ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Nature's Control ∙ Planet Natural ∙ Plant Products ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Sound Horticulture ∙ Syngenta Bioline
27. Feltiella acarisuga (spider mites in ornamentals and vegetables, and in greenhouses and interiorscapes)	ARBICO ∙ BCP Certis ∙ Biobest ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ International Technology ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Koppert ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Syngenta Bioline
Hemiptera
Anthocoridae
28. Orius insidiosus Minute pirate bug (thrips, aphids, and whiteflies on ornamentals, vegetables, and citrus, and in greenhouses and interiorscapes)	ARBICO ∙ Biobest ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ Evergreen ∙The Green Spot ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Koppert ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Plant Products ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Sound Horticulture ∙ Syngenta Bioline
Pentatomidae
29. Podisus maculiventris Spined soldier bug (Colorado potato beetles and caterpillars on ornamentals, vegetables and citrus)	ARBICO ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ The Green Spot ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Planet Natural ∙ Rincon-Vitova
Neuroptera
Chrysopidae
30. Chrysoperla carnea Lacewing (aphids and any other small soft-bodied insects on ornamentals, vegetables, and citrus)	A-1 Unique ∙ American Insectaries ∙ BCP Certis ∙ Biobest ∙ Buglogical Control ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ Harmony Farm Supply ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ International Technology ∙ Koppert ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Plant Products ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Sound Horticulture ∙ Syngenta Bioline
31. Chrysoperla rufilabris Lacewing (aphids and any other small soft-bodied insects on ornamentals, vegetables, and citrus)	A-1 Unique ∙ American Insectaries ∙ Beneficial Insectary ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ Gardens Alive ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Harmony Farm Supply ∙ IPM Labs ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Peaceful Valley ∙ Planet Natural ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Sound Horticulture ∙ Three Trees Farm
32. Chrysoperla spp. Lacewing (aphids and any other small soft-bodied insects on ornamentals, vegetables, and citrus)	ARBICO ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ Biofac ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ Kunafin ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Pest Controls ∙ Nature's Control
Thysanoptera
Thripidae
33. Scolothrips sexmaculatus (spider mites on fruit trees)	Sterling Insectary

Table 5.

Parasitic wasps. Numbered biological control products (family, genus and species), some target pests and source companies.

PARASITIC WASPS
Hymenoptera
Aphelinidae	Source Company (see Table 7)
34. Aphelinus abdominalis (potato aphids on ornamentals, fruits, and vegetables, and in greenhouses)	BCP Certis ∙ Biobest ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ The Green Spot ∙ International Technology ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Koppert ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Syngenta Bioline
35. Aphytis melinus (oleander, California citrus, red, yellow, and dictyospermum scales on citrus and in greenhouses)	American Insectaries ∙ ARBICO ∙ Associates Insectary ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ International Technology ∙ IPM Labs ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Natural Pest Controls ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Sespe Creek
36. Encarsia formosa (whiteflies in greenhouses)	American Insectaries ∙ Applied Bio-nomics ∙ ARBICO ∙ BCP Certis ∙ Biobest ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ Buglogical Control ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ Evergreen ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Harmony Farm Supply ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ International Technology ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Koppert ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Natural Pest Controls ∙ Nature's Control ∙ Peaceful Valley ∙ Planet Natural ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Sound Horticulture ∙ Syngenta Bioline
37. Eretmocerus eremicus (sweetpotato whiteflies, and in greenhouses and interiorscapes)	American Insectaries ∙ ARBICO ∙ BCP Certis ∙ Biobest ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ International Technology ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Koppert ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Plant Products ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Syngenta Bioline
38. Eretmocerus mundus (sweetpotato and tobacco whiteflies in greenhouses)	Biobest ∙ International Technology ∙ Koppert ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Plant Products ∙ Rincon-Vitova
Braconidae
39. Aphidius colemani (cotton, melon, green peach and other aphids on vegetables, fruits and ornamentals, and in greenhouses and interiorscapes)	ARBICO ∙ BCP Certis ∙ Biobest ∙ Buglogical Control ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ International Technology ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Koppert ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Planet Natural ∙ Plant Products ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Sound Horticulture ∙ Syngenta Bioline
40. Aphidius ervi (potato, pea, green peach, and greenhouse potato aphids on vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals, and in greenhouses and interiorscapes)	BCP Certis ∙ Biobest ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ International Technology ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Koppert ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Plant Products ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Sound Horticulture ∙ Syngenta Bioline
41. Aphidius matricariae (green peach aphids on vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals, and in greenhouses and interiorscapes)	Applied Bio-nomics ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ Evergreen ∙ The Green Spot ∙ IPM Labs ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Nature's Control ∙ Plant Products ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Sound Horticulture
42. Cotesia plutellae (diamondback moths on vegetables)	ARBICO ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Rincon-Vitova
43. Dacnusa sibirica (leafminers in vegetables, fruit, and ornamentals, and in greenhouse and interiorscapes)	American Insectaries ∙ ARBICO ∙ BCP Certis ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ International Technology ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Koppert ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Natural Pest Controls ∙ Plant Products ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Syngenta Bioline
Encyrtidae
44. Leptomastix dactylopii (citrus mealybugs on citrus and ornamentals, and in greenhouses and interiorscapes)	BCP Certis ∙ Biobest ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ International Technology ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Koppert ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Rincon-Vitova
45. Metaphycus spp. (black, hemispherical, brown, and nigra scale in citrus, and in greenhouses and interiorscapes)	BCP Certis ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Natural Insect Control
Eulophidae
46. Diglyphus isaea (vegetable, tomato, serpentine, and chrysanthemum leafminers on vegetables, fruit, and ornamentals, and in greenhouses and interiorscapes)	American Insectaries ∙ ARBICO ∙ BCP Certis ∙ Biobest ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ International Technology ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Koppert ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Natural Pest Controls ∙ Planet Natural ∙ Plant Products ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Syngenta Bioline
47. Pediobius foveolatus (Mexican bean beetle on vegetables)	ARBICO ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ The Green Spot ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Rincon-Vitova
Pteromalidae
48. Muscidifurax raptor (flies in garbage, manure, and compost)	A-1 Unique ∙ Beneficial Insectary ∙ Biofac ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Natural Insect Control
49. Muscidifurax raptorellus (flies in garbage, manure, and compost)	Beneficial Insectary ∙ The Green Spot ∙ IPM Labs ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Peaceful Valley ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Sound Horticulture ∙ Spalding Laboratories
50. Muscidifurax zaraptor (flies in garbage, manure, and compost)	Beneficial Insectary ∙ Buglogical Control ∙ The Green Spot ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Natural Pest Controls ∙ Peaceful Valley ∙ Planet Natural ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Sound Horticulture ∙ Spalding Laboratories
51. Nasonia vitripennis (flies in garbage, manure, and compost)	Buglogical Control ∙ Natural Pest Controls
52. Spalangia cameroni (flies in garbage, manure, and compost)	Beneficial Insectary ∙ IPM Labs ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Spalding Laboratories
53. Spalangia endius (flies in garbage, manure, and compost)	A-1 Unique ∙ Beneficial Insectary ∙ Kunafin (Spalangia spp.) ∙ Natural Pest Controls ∙ Peaceful Valley ∙ Spalding Laboratories
Trichogrammatidae
54. Trichogramma brassicae (caterpillars in vegetables, fruit, ornamentals, and citrus, and in greenhouse and interiorscapes)	BCP Certis ∙ Beneficial Insectary ∙ Buglogical Control ∙ EcoSolutions ∙ The Green Spot ∙ International Technology ∙ Koppert ∙ Kunafin (Trichogramma spp.) ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Syngenta Bioline
55. Trichogramma minutum (caterpillars in Eastern U.S. orchards)	A-1 Unique ∙ American Insectaries ∙ ARBICO ∙ Beneficial Insectary ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ Buglogical Control ∙ Gardens Alive ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Harmony Farm Supply ∙ International Technology ∙ IPM Labs ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Peaceful Valley ∙ Planet Natural ∙ Rincon-Vitova
56. Trichogramma pretiosum (moth eggs in vegetables, field crops, and ornamentals)	A-1 Unique ∙ American Insectaries ∙ Beneficial Insectary ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ Biofac ∙ Buglogical Control ∙ Gardens Alive ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Harmony Farm Supply ∙ International Technology ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Planet Natural ∙ Rincon-Vitova

Table 6.

Biopesticides. Microbial insecticides, nematicides and fungicides along with selected source companies (genus and species, product names, and some target pests).

BIOPESTICIDES
Microbial Insecticides	Source Company (see Table 7)
57. Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai (BTA) Xentari, Florbac, Agree, Design, Ketch (caterpillars)	BioBest ∙ Certis ∙ International Technology ∙ Valent BioSciences
58. Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI) Skeetal, Mosquito Dunks, Bactimos, Gnatrol, Aquabac, Vetobac, Teknar (mosquitoes, blackfly larvae, and fungus gnats)	ARBICO ∙ Beneficial Insect Company ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ Bonide ∙ Buglogical Control ∙ Gardener's Supply ∙ Gardens Alive ∙ The Green Spot ∙ International Technology ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Natural Pest Controls ∙ North Country ∙ Peaceful Valley ∙ Planet Natural ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Valent BioSciences
59. Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (BTK) Thuricide, Dipel, Crymax, Foray, BioBit, Scutello, Crymax WDG, Deliver, Javelin, Baritone (caterpillars)	AgraQuest ∙ BCP Certis ∙ BioBest ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ Bonide ∙ Certis ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Harmony Farm Supply ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ International Technology ∙ Koppert ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ North Country ∙ Peaceful Valley ∙ Planet Natural ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Valent BioSciences
60. Bacillus thuringiensis tenebrionis (BTT) Novodor, Raven, Potato Shield, Foil (beetle larvae)	Valent BioSciences
61. Bacillus popilliae Milky Spore (Japanese beetles)	ARBICO ∙ Beneficial Insect Company ∙ Biocontrol Network ∙ Eartheasy ∙ Gardener's Supply ∙ The Green Spot ∙ North Country ∙ Peaceful Valley ∙ Planet Natural ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ St. Gabriel
62. Bacillus sphaericus VectoLex, Spherimos (mosquito larvae)	Valent BioSciences
63. Beauveria bassiana Naturalis-O, L and T, Mycotrol, Botanigard (aphids, grubs, chinch bugs, grasshoppers, crickets, and sod webworms)	ARBICO ∙ Bioworks ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ International Technology ∙ Peaceful Valley ∙ Rincon-Vitova ∙ Troy
64. *Nosema locustae* Nolo Bait, Semispore Bait (grasshoppers)	Biocontrol Network ∙ Buglogical Control ∙ Gardener's Supply ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Harmony Farm Supply ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ M & R Durango ∙ Natural Insect Control ∙ Natural Pest Controls ∙ North Country ∙ Peaceful Valley ∙ Planet Natural ∙ Rincon-Vitova
65. Nucleopolyhedrosis virus (NPV) Gem-Star, NPV, Spod-X (caterpillars)	Certis ∙ Rincon-Vitova
66. Paecilomyces fumosoroseus PreFeRal, PFR-97 (aphids)	Certis ∙ International Technology
67. Saccharopolyspora spinosa Entrust (caterpillars, beetle larvae, thrips, and leafminers)	ARBICO ∙ The Green Spot ∙ International Technology
68. Verticillium lecanii Vertalec (aphids in greenhouses)	Koppert
Microbial Nematicides
69. *Myrothecium verrucaria* DiTera (nematodes)	Valent BioSciences
Microbial Fungicides
70. Agrobacterium radiobacter Galltrol-A, Gallex, NoGall K1026 (crown gall)	AgBioChem
71. Bacillus pumilis Activate, Ballad Plus, Sonata (fungal diseases)	AgraQuest ∙ Rincon-Vitova
72. Bacillus subtilis Serenade, Cease (fungal and bacterial diseases)	AgraQuest ∙ Bioworks ∙ Harmony ∙ International Technology ∙ Rincon-Vitova
73. *Gliocladium virens* SoilGard, Gliomix (Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium)	Certis ∙ Harmony ∙ International Technology ∙ Rincon-Vitova
74. *Pseudomonas fluorescens* Blight Ban (fire blight)	Peaceful Valley
75. Reynoutria sachalinensis Regalia (fungal and bacterial diseases including bacterial spot, citrus canker, powdery and downy mildews)	Marrone Bio Innovations
76. Streptomyces spp. Mycostop, RootGuard, Agrimycin, Actinovate (Fusarium, damping off, Pythium, Phytophthora and fire blight)	The Green Spot ∙ Harmony ∙ Hydro-Gardens ∙ International Technology ∙ Peaceful Valley ∙ Planet Natural
77. Trichoderma spp. Plant Shield, Plant Gard, Binab-T, Root Shield (Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, Cylindrocladium and Thielaviopsis)	ARBICO ∙ Binab ∙ Bioworks ∙ Gardens Alive ∙ The Green Spot ∙ Harmony ∙ International Technology ∙ Koppert ∙ Rincon-Vitova

Table 7.

Commercial biological control companies that market nematodes, mites, insects, and biopesticides for pest management in Florida.

Company	Website
A-1 Unique Insect Control	http://www.a-1unique.com
AgBioChem	http://www.agbiochem.com
American Insectaries	http://www.betterbugs.com
Andermatt Biocontrol	http://www.biocontrol.ch
Applied Bio-nomics*	http://www.appliedbio-nomics.com
ARBICO Organics*	http://www.arbico-organics.com
Associates Insectary*	http://www.associatesinsectary.com
BCP Certis	http://www.bcpcertis.com
Becker Underwood*	http://www.beckerunderwood.com/en/home
Beneficial Insectary*	http://www.insectary.com
Beneficial Insect Company	http://www.thebeneficialinsectco.com
Binab	http://www.algonet.se/~binab/index2.html
Biobest*	http://www.biobest.ca
Biocontrol Network	http://www.biconet.com
Biofac Crop Care	http://www.biofac.com $500 minimum order
BioLogic Company	http://www.biologicco.com
Biotactics	http://www.benemite.com
Bioworks	http://www.bioworksinc.com
Bonide	http://www.bonideproducts.com
Buglogical Control Systems	http://www.buglogical.com
Certis	http://www.certisusa.com
Eartheasy	http://www.eartheasy.com
EcoSolutions*	http://www.anbp.org/incex.php/members-products [09/2011]
Evergreen Growers Supply*	http://www.evergreengrowers.com
Gardener's Supply	http://www.gardeners.com
Gardens Alive	http://www.gardensalive.com
The Green Spot*	http://greenmethods.com
Harmony Farm Supply	http://harmonyfarm.com
Hydro-Gardens*	http://www.hydro-gardens.com
International Technology	http://www.itssupply.com
IPM Laboratories*	http://www.ipmlabs.com
Koppert Biological Systems*	http://www.koppert.com
Kunafin*	http://www.kunafin.com
M & R Durango*	http://goodbug.com
Marrone Bio Innovations*	http://marronebioinnovations.com
Natural Insect Control*	http://www.natural-insect-control.com
Natural Pest Controls	http://www.natural-pest-controls.com
Nature's Control	http://www.naturescontrol.com
North Country Organics	http://www.norganics.com
Peaceful Valley	http://www.groworganic.com
Planet Natural	http://www.planetnatural.com
Plant Products Company*	http://www.plantprod.com
Rincon-Vitova*	http://www.rinconvitova.com
Sespe Creek*	http://www.anbp.org.index.php/members-products [09/2011]
Sound Horticulture*	http://soundhorticulture.com
Spalding Laboratories*	https://www.spalding-labs.com
Sterling Insectary*	http://www.sterlinginsectary.com
Syngenta Bioline*	http://www.syngenta-bioline.co.uk
Three Trees Farm	http://www.redwiggler.com
Troy Biosciences	http://www.troybiosciences.com
Valent BioSciences	http://www.valentbiosciences.com
*Members of the Association of Natural Biocontrol Producers (http://www.anbp.org)

Footnotes

This document is IPM-146 (IN849), one of a series of the Entomology and Nematology, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date July 1, 2010. Revised June 2011. Visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

Norman C. Leppla, professor, and Kenneth L. Johnson II, USDA, NIFA, National Needs Fellow, IPM Florida, Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611.

The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UF/IFAS does not guarantee or warranty the products named, and references to them in this publication do not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable composition.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place, Dean.

Guidelines for Purchasing and Using Commercial Natural Enemies and Biopesticides in Florida and Other States 1

Sources of information on obtaining and using commercial natural enemies and biopesticides

Acknowledgment

Tables

Footnotes

Guidelines for Purchasing and Using Commercial Natural Enemies and Biopesticides in Florida and Other States ¹