Real Metarhizium 78

Real Metarhizium 78 is a ubiquitous insect-killing fungus that occurs naturally in the soil. It targets pest mites such as spider mite Tetranychus urticae and T.evansii without killing predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus and Amblyseius. Our isolate has also been show to kill varroa mite, a parasite of bees with no harmful effect on the bees.

Real Metarhizium 78 is a ‘contact’ biopesticide and application methods are crucial to its success. On contact with the pest insect the Real Metarhizium 78 spore germinates and enters the pest mite’s body where is multiplies thus killing it within 2-4 days, subject to temperature.

Use Real Metarhizium 78 on soft and top fruit as a prophylactic preventative weekly spray. If pest levels are medium to high reduce the spray interval to 3 days. Use in conjunction with predatory mites.

In situations where you have to spray for downy mildew with non-compatible fungicides and cannot use Phytoseilus a tank mix of non-compatible fungicide with Real Metarhizium 78 will prevent the spider mite population from resurging.

Our Real Metarhizium 78 has many useful attributes including:

  • no harm to common beneficial parasitoids and predators
  • can be use in combination with Phytoseiulus and Amblyseius andersoni for spider mite control
  • regular use reduces excessive pesticide use and helps manage chemical pesticide resistance
  • applied using conventional spray or irrigation equipment
  • zero pre harvest interval

Product form: spores in vegetable oil

Application rate: 200 ml per hectare

Storage and shelf life: 8 weeks from date of manufacture in original unopened container stored in cool dry place (15-20°C)