Orius banker plants

Orius banker plants

Overview

Orius banker plants are used to rear Orius tantillus (Orius) within a crop.

They allow Orius to be established before the target pests arrive and maintain reasonable numbers in crops when pest levels are low.

Banker plants can also be used when the crop itself is not favourable for Orius. We recommend them for crops where the flowers do not supply suitable pollen for Orius (eg, cucumbers, gerbera, roses) or where the supply of quality flowers is not constant (eg, certain varieties of capsicums).

Pests Orius banker plants can help you control

You can use banker plants to rear Orius tantillus (Orius), which is very effective against Western Flower Thrips and Onion Thrips.

How Orius banker plants control pests among crops

Obtain your banker plants (basil or alyssum) from a commercial nursery or grow your own plants from seed.

Once the plants start to flower, order Orius from us to release onto them. The Orius will breed on the banker plants and move into the crop in search of pests.

It is important that the banker plants have not been sprayed with toxic residual insecticides as it will prevent the Orius from establishing.

Contact your Biological Services Consultant for specific advice.

Learn more about Orius

You can learn more about the pests Orius can help you control and suitable crops on our Orius product page.

Get tailored advice for your commercial crop

To speak with one of our qualified consultants about your current commercial crop challenge or to learn about the benefits of the IPM maintenance and monitoring services we provide, contact us.

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