EA045019B1 - SYSTEM FOR THE RELEASE OF BENEFICIAL TICKS AND ITS OPTIONS FOR APPLICATION - Google Patents

Description

Field of technology to which the present invention relates

This invention generally relates to the use of mite species for human purposes. Species of mites that can be usefully used for human purposes can be used, for example, for pest control, for example, in the field of agriculture, including agricultural production systems for plant products, agricultural production systems for animal products and livestock, in the field of food storage products. Species of predatory mites used for such purposes, as well as species of mites suitable as prey for species of predatory mites or other species of predatory arthropods, may be considered beneficial.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of beneficial mites is common in agriculture, including horticulture. For example, predatory mites such as those described in EP 1686849B1, EP 2042036B1, EP 1830631B1, EP 1965634B1 can be used to control crop pests. EP 2405741 and EP 2612551B1 mention a number of other beneficial predatory mites. The areas where mite species may be used for human applications described above only cover some of the possibilities.

Successful use of beneficial mites requires the successful release of beneficial mites in the target area. Various systems have been developed to release beneficial mites or to provide them with prey mites. In all of these systems, beneficial mites are either housed in containers made of materials that are permeable to metabolic gases (particularly _O2 ) or have relatively large vents to allow gas exchange with the surrounding atmosphere. This is based on the general belief in the art that long-term survival (for at least 2 weeks) of beneficial mites in containers requires extensive gas exchange. These requirements, among others, are reflected in GB 2393890 (see, for example, page 4, line 30 - page 5, line 2), relating to a release system for beneficial insects and mites made of gas-permeable materials (fabric or polyethylene (PE) coated paper).

However, for the long-term release of useful mites, the use of systems that use materials that are permeable to gases and/or have relatively large ventilation holes has certain disadvantages. In particular, materials that are significantly permeable to gases are also available to significantly transmit water vapor. Likewise, large vents, in addition to allowing the exchange of metabolic gases, also allow the passage of water vapor. In addition, large vents create the risk of liquid entering the system where beneficial mites are present. Therefore, maintaining humidity levels within target ranges is a challenge for prior art systems. Moisture levels outside target ranges may have undesirable effects on the health and/or development of beneficial mite populations in systems. Because of this, current beneficial mite release systems require an ambient relative humidity of about 70% or higher to function over long periods of time.

The present inventors have surprisingly discovered that, contrary to the general belief that systems for the long-term release of beneficial mites require the use of gas-permeable materials and/or relatively large vents, it is possible to effectively maintain populations of beneficial mite species in a compartment surrounded by material. having low gas permeability, and in which the openings that connect the interior of the compartment (containing the mite individuals) to the exterior are relatively small (eg, within the size range of existing systems using gas-permeable materials).

Summary of the Present Invention

Thus, the invention according to a first aspect relates to a beneficial mite release system consisting of a compartment, i.e. a mite compartment, containing a population of species of beneficial mites, preferably in combination with a carrier, and a food source for the beneficial mites, said mite compartment being surrounded by a gas-impermeable material a material having a water vapor penetration rate of <5 g/m ² *24 h, wherein said mite compartment has a volume x mm ³ from 3*103 to 600*103 mm ³ , and the system additionally contains several connections that connect the mite compartment with space outside the compartment for the pliers, and each of the specified row of connections has an area y from 0.1 to 4.0 mm ² , and the sum of the areas of several connections is equal to Σу, and at the same time 5*10 ³ mm<x/Σy<70* 10 ³ mm, preferably 6*10 ³ mm<х/Σу<60*10 ³ mm, more preferably 7*10 ³ mm<х/Σу<50*10 ³ mm.

Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a system according to the invention for introducing beneficial species of mites into a target area and to a method of controlling in the target area a pest that may be preyed upon by species of predatory arthropods, the method comprising providing the system according to the invention to said target area.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for obtaining an agricultural product from a number of non-human organisms susceptible to pests that may be preyed upon by predatory arthropod species, the method comprising:

providing a range of non-human organisms in an area that is a target area;

providing in the target area several systems according to any one of claims 1-5;

providing a range of non-human organisms with suitable nutrients and environmental conditions to produce an agricultural product.

Brief description of the figures

In fig. 1A is a front view of a tick release system according to the invention.

In fig. 1B is a rear view of a tick release system according to the invention.

In fig. 1C is a view along the longest axis of the tick release system shown in FIG. 1A and 1B.

In fig. 1D shows the flat foil from which the mite rearing system of FIG. 1A-C.

In fig. Figure 2 shows how a number of mite release sachets can be formed from a roll of foil.

In fig. 3A and 3B show the results of counts of predatory mites (A. swirskii) and prey mites (C. lactis) inside mite release systems of various designs that were tested in the experiment.

In fig. 4A and 4B show the water activity (a _w ) and water content over time inside tick release systems of various designs that were tested in the experiment.

In fig. 5A and 5B show the results of counts of predator mites (A. swirskii) and prey mites (C. lactis) collected during the escape test as tested in the experiment.

Detailed Disclosure of the Present Invention

The system of the invention is a system suitable for releasing beneficial mites. The system includes structural elements, in particular, a gas-impermeable material, and in some embodiments also others, and biological elements, in particular, a population of beneficial mites. Such a useful mite release system may also be referred to as a useful mite release device or a useful mite release container.

The biological term mites should be understood by one skilled in the art. In particular, the specialist should know that ticks are invertebrate animals from the Acari subclass, characterized by the presence of an exoskeleton and articulated limbs. The useful mites to be released by the system of the invention are useful in view of the useful functions they can perform. Such useful functions may include, for example, assistance in agriculture, including horticulture, such as controlling insect and/or mite populations. In particular, predatory mites are useful for controlling insect and/or mite pest populations. Alternatively, beneficial mites may be beneficial in the sense that they can serve as a food source for beneficial predatory mites or other beneficial predatory arthropods without being a pest in the target area where they are used. In this way, they can support the development of the population of predatory species present in the target area (either introduced by humans or naturally present) with minimal risk of causing negative effects in the target area. Thus, the term useful should be understood to mean effective.

Predatory mites, for example, can be chosen from:

Mesostigmatid mites, including:

i) Phytoseiidae, for example:

subfamily Amblyseiinae, e.g. from the genus Amblyseius, e.g. Amblyseius andersoni, Amblyseius aerialis, Amblyseius swirskii, Amblyseius herbicolus or Amblyseius largoensis, from the genus Euseius, e.g. Euseius finlandicus, Euseius hibisci, Euseius ovalis, Euseius victoriensis, Euseius stipulatus, Euseius scutalis , Euseius tularensis, Euseius addoensis, Euseius concordis, Euseius ho, Euseius gallicus, Euseius citrifolius or Euseius citri, from the genus Iphiseiodes, e.g. Iphiseiodes zuluagi, from the genus Iphiseius, e.g. Iphiseius degenerans, from the genus Neoseiulus, e.g. Neoseiulus barkeri, Neoseiulus californicus , Neoseiulus cucumeris, Neoseiulus longispinosus, Neoseiulus womersleyi, Neoseiulus idaeus, Neoseiulus anonymus, Neoseiulus paspalivorus, Neoseiulus reductus or Neoseiulus fallacis, Neoseiulus baraka, from the genus Amblydromalus, for example, Amblydromalus limonicus, from the genus Typhlodromalus, for example, Typhlodromalus aripo, Typhlodromalus lailae or Typhlodromalus peregrinus, from the genus Transeius (also known as Typhlodromips), for example, Transeius montdorensis (also known as Typhlodromips montdorensis), from the genus Phytoseiulus, for example, Phytoseiulus persimilis, Phytoseiulus macropilis, Phytoseiulus longipes, Phytoseiulus fragariae;

subfamily Typhlodrominae, e.g. from the genus Galendromus, e.g. Galendromus occidentalis, from the genus Metaseiulus, e.g. Metaseiulus flumenis, from the genus Gynaeseiu, e.g. Gynaeseius liturivorus, from the genus Typhlodromus, e.g. Typhlodromus exhilarates, Typhlodromus phialatus, Typhlodromus recki, Typhlodromus transvaalensis, Typhlodromus pyri, Typhlodromus doreenae or Typhlodromus athiasae;

ii) Ascidae, for example, from the genus Proctolaelaps, for example, Proctolaelaps pygmaeus (Muller); from the genus Blattisocius, for example, Blattisocius tarsalis (Berlese), Blattisocius keegani (Fox); from the genus Lasioseius, for example,

- 2 045019

Lasioseius fimetorum Karg, Lasioseius floridensis Berlese, Lasioseius bispinosus Evans, Lasioseius dentatus

Fox, Lasioseius scapulatus (Kenett), Lasioseius athiasae Nawar &Nasr; from the genus Arctoseius, for example, Arctoseius semiscissus (Berlese); from the genus Protogamasellus, for example Protogamasellus dioscorus Manson;

iii) Laelapidae, eg from the genus Stratiolaelaps, eg Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Womersley); Gaeolaelaps, for example Gaeolaelaps aculeifer (Canestrini); Androlaelaps, for example, Androlaelaps casalis (Berlese), Cosmolaelaps, for example, Cosmolaelaps claviger, Cosmolaelaps jaboticabalensis;

iv) Macrochelidae, e.g. from the genus Macrocheles, e.g. Macrocheles robustulus (Berlese), Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Scopoli), Macrocheles matrius (Hull);

v) Parasitidae, for example, from the genus Pergamasus, for example, Pergamasus quisquiliarum Canestrini; Parasitus, for example Parasitus fimetorum (Berlese), Parasitus bituberosus, Parasitus mycophilus, Parasitus mammilatus;

species of Prostigmatid mites, including:

vi) Tydeidae, eg from the genus Homeopronematus, eg Homeopronematus anconai (Baker); from the genus Tydeus, for example, Tydeus Iambi (Baker), Tydeus caudatus (Duges); from the genus Pronematus, for example, Pronematus ubiquitous (McGregor);

vii) Cheyletidae, e.g. from the genus Cheyletus, e.g. Cheyletus eruditus (Schrank), Cheyletus malaccensis Oudemans;

viii) Cunaxidae, e.g. from the genus Coleoscirus, e.g. Coleoscirus simplex (Ewing), from the genus Cunaxa, e.g. Cunaxa setirostris (Hermann);

ix) Erythraeidae, for example, from the genus Balaustium, for example, Balaustium putmani Smiley, Balaustium medicagoense Meyer & Ryke, Balaustium murorum (Hermann), Balaustium hernandezi, Balaustium leanderi;

x) Stigmaeidae, e.g. from the genus Agistemus, e.g. Agistemus exsertus Gonzalez; for example, from the genus Zetzellia, for example Zetzellia mali (Ewing);

xi) Anystidae, e.g., of the genus Anystis, e.g., Anystis baccarum.

Due to their predatory behavior against important pests, predatory mites are preferably selected from the family Phytoseiidae, in particular from the genus Amblyseius, for example Amblyseius swirskii, Amblyseius largoensis and Amblyseius andersoni, from the genus Neoseiulus, for example Neoseiulus californicus, Neoseiulus cucumeris, Neoseiulus barkeri, Neoseiulus baraki and Neoseiulus longispinosus and Neoseiulus fallacis, in particular from the genus Euseius, for example Euseius gallicus, in particular from the genus Iphiseius, for example Iphiseius degenerans, from the genus Transeius, for example Transeius montdorensis, from the genus Amblydromalus, for example Amblydromalus limonicus (also known as Typhlodromalus limonicus), of the genus Galendromus, e.g. Galendromus occidentalis, of the genus Phytoseiulus, e.g. Phytoseiulus persimilis, Phytoseiulus macropilis and Phytoseiulus longipes, of the family Cheyletidae, particularly of the genus Cheyletus, e.g. Cheyletus eruditus, of the family Laelapidae, particularly from the genus Androlaelaps, e.g. Androlaelaps casalis, from the genus Stratiolaelaps, e.g. Stratiolaelaps scimitus (also known as Hypoaspis miles), from the genus Gaeolaelaps, e.g. Gaeolaelaps aculeifer (also known as Hypoaspis aculeifer), or from the family Macrochelidae , in particular from the genus Macrocheles, for example Macrocheles robustulus.

Names for Phytoseiidae given here refer to Chant D.A., McMurtry, J.A. (2007) Illustrated keys and diagnoses for the genera and subgenera of the Phytoseiidae of the world (Acari: Mesostigmata), Indira Publishing House, West Bloomfied, MI, USA. The names for Ascidae, Laelapidae, Macrochelidae, Parasitidae, Tydeidae, Cheyletidae, Cunaxidae, Erythraeidae and Stigmaeidae given here are those mentioned in Carrillo, D., de Moraes, G.J., Pena, J.E. (ed.) (2015) Prospects for Biological Control of Plant Feeding Mites and Other Harmful Organisms. Springer, Cham, Heidelberg, New York, Dordrecht, London. For Parasitus mycophilus, reference may be made to Baker A.S., Ostoja-Starzewski J.C. (2002) New distributional records of the mite Parasitus mycophilus (Acari: Mesostigmata), with a redescription of the males and the first description of the deutonymph. Systematic & Applied Acarology 7, 113-122. For Parasitus mammilatus, reference may be made to Karg, W. (1993) Die Tierwelt Deutschlands, 59.Teil. Acari (Acarina), Milben Parasitiformes (Anactinochaeta) Cohors Gamasina Leach. Gustav Fischer, Jena. For Anystidae, reference may be made to Cuthbertson A.G.S., Qiu B.-L., Murchie A.K. (2014) Anystis baccarum: An Important Generalist Predatory Mite to be Considered in Apple Orchard Pest Management Strategies. Insects 5, 615-628; doi:10.3390/insects5030615.

A qualified professional should know the potential host range of the selected predatory mite species. Pests that predatory mites can effectively control include white flies such as Trialeurodes vaporariorum and Bemisia tabaci; thrips such as Thrips tabaci, Thrips palmi and Frankliniella spp. such as Frankliniella occidentalis, spider mites Frankliniella schultzei such as Tetranychus urticae, Panonychus ulmi, other phytophagous mites such as Polyphagotarsonemus latus or other pests such as Eriophyids, Tenuipalpids, Psyllids, leafhoppers, aphids, dipterans. In addition, mites that infect bird species, such as the red bird mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) and mites that infest reptiles, such as those from the family Macronyssidae, such as the genus Ophionyssus, such as Ophionyssus natricis, can also be preyed upon by predatory mites, in in particular, predatory mites selected from the genus Hypoaspis, such as Hypoaspis angusta, from the genus Chyletus, such as Cheyletus eruditis, from the genus Androlaelaps, such as Androlaelaps casalis, from the family Laelapidae, for example from the genus Stratiolelaaps, for example Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Womersley) ; Gaeolaelaps, for example Gaeolaelaps aculeifer (Canestrini); Androlaelaps, for example Androlaelaps casalis (Berlese) or from the genus Macrocheles, such

- 3 045019 as Macrocheles robustulus.

Beneficial mites that can serve as a food source for predatory mites or other predatory arthropods according to some embodiments of the invention can be selected from Astigmatid mite species, in particular, Astigmatid mite species selected from:

i) Carpoglyphidae, for example, from the genus Carpoglyphus, for example, Carpoglyphus lactis;

ii) Pyroglyphidae, for example, from the genus Dermatophagoides, for example, Dermatophagoides pteronysinus, Dermatophagoides farinae; from the genus Euroglyphus, for example, Euroglyphus longior, Euroglyphus maynei; from the genus Pyroglyphus, for example Pyroglyphus africanus;

iii) Glycyphagidae, for example, from the subfamily Ctenoglyphinae, for example, from the genus Diamesoglyphus, for example Diamesoglyphus intermediusor, from the genus Ctenoglyphus, for example Ctenoglyphus plumiger, Ctenoglyphus canestrinii, Ctenoglyphus palmifer; subfamily Glycyphaginae, for example from the genus Blomia, for example Blomia freemani or from the genus Glycyphagus, for example Glycyphagus ornatus, Glycyphagus bicaudatus, Glycyphagus privatus, Glycyphagus domesticus, or from the genus Lepidoglyphus, for example Lepidoglyphus michaeli, Lepidoglyphus fustifer, Lepidoglyphus de constructor, or from the genus Austroglycyphagus, for example Austroglycyphagus geniculatus; from the subfamily Aeroglyphinae, for example, from the genus Aeroglyphus, for example, Aeroglyphus robustus; from the subfamily Labidophorinae, for example, from the genus Gohieria, for example, Gohieria fusca; or from the subfamily Nycteriglyphinae, for example from the genus Coproglyphus, for example Coproglyphus stammeri or from the subfamily Chortoglyphidae, for example from the genus Chortoglyphus, for example Chortoglyphus arcuatus and more preferably selected from the subfamily Glycyphaginae, more preferably selected from the genus Glycyphagus or the genus Lepidoglyphus, most preferably selected from Glycyphagus domesticus or Lepidoglyphus destructor;

iv) Acaridae, for example, from the genus Tyrophagus, for example, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Tyrophagus tropicus, from the genus Acarus, for example, Acarus siro, Acarus farris, Acarus gracilis; from the genus Lardoglyphus, for example Lardoglyphus konoi, from the genus Thyreophagus, for example Thyreophagus entomophagus; from the genus Aleuroglyphus, for example Aleuroglyphus ovatus;

v) Suidasiidae, e.g. from the genus Suidasia, e.g. Suidasia nesbiti, Suidasia pontifica or Suidasia medanensis.

Preferred Astigmatid mites can be selected from Lepidoglyphus destructor, Carpoglyphidae, such as the genus Carpoglyphus, such as Carpoglyphus lactis, the genus Thyreophagus, such as Thyreophagus entomophagus, Acaridae, such as Suidasia pontifica or Suidasia medanensis.

Astigmatid mites can be isolated from their natural habitats, as described by Hughes (Hughes, A.M., 1977, The mites of stored food and houses. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Technical Bulletin No. 9: 400 pp), and can be kept and cultivate as described by Parkinson (Parkinson, C.L., 1992, Cultivating free living astigmatid mites. Arachnida: Proceedings of a one day symposium on spiders and their allies held on Saturday 21st November 1987 at the Zoological Society of London) and Solomon & Cunnington (Solomon, M.E. and Cunnington, A.M., 1963, Rearing acaroidmites, Agricultural Research Council, Pest Infestation Laboratory, Slough, England, pp 399 403).

The term release should be understood to mean that beneficial mites can leave the system. Thus, the mite release system of the invention is suitable for releasing, distributing or providing useful mites.

The system of the invention contains a compartment, a mite compartment, containing a population of beneficial mites. The function of the compartment is to contain individuals of the beneficial mite population and any additional materials associated with the beneficial mite individuals. Such additional materials can be selected from carrier materials and/or food sources known to one skilled in the art.

The size and type (or shape) of the compartment may vary depending on the utility mite selected. The selection of suitable ranges of sizes and types (or shapes) is within the general knowledge of the person skilled in the art. For example, reference may be made to GB 2393890 and GB 2509224, which disclose mite or insect systems having suitable shapes and sizes. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the systems of the present invention can also be designed in accordance with the mite release systems disclosed in GB 2393890 and GB 2509224. Thus, the mite release system of the invention can be linked to at least one other system of the invention by connecting at least with one other system, thereby forming a connection of multiple systems of the invention. The plurality of systems of the invention are preferably joined together to form an elongated body. The elongated body preferably has a length greater than that of the individual system and a width substantially the same as that of the individual system. According to some preferred embodiments, a systems association includes 2 systems of the invention folded into an inverted V or U, with the connections located within the folded structure. According to other preferred embodiments, the system association has an oblong body of at least 10-180 m in length, for example 80-160 m.

The population of beneficial mites contained in the compartment is preferably a breeding population. In this description, the term multiplying should be understood to include the spread and increase of a population through reproduction. The practitioner should be aware and understand that while many species of mites reproduce through sexual reproduction, some species reproduce through asexual reproduction. A specialist will be able to determine which types of ticks reproduce sexually and which types of ticks reproduce asexually. Essentially, a breeding population is able to increase the number of its individuals through reproduction. Thus, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a breeding population will include individual female mites that are spawning, that is, can reproduce, or individual female mites that can mature to a life stage where they can reproduce. The practitioner should also understand that in a species of tick that reproduces sexually, the breeding population includes individuals that are sexually mature males or males that may mature to maturity. Alternatively, in sexually reproducing tick species, the breeding population may include one or more fertilized females.

The mite population is preferentially associated with the host. The use of carriers in products containing beneficial mites is a common practice in the art, and it is known that in principle any solid material that is suitable for providing a carrier surface for the mites can be used. Therefore, as a rule, the carrier particles will have a size larger than the size of the beneficial mites. Preferably, the carrier provides a porous medium that allows the exchange of metabolic gases and heat produced by the mite populations. One skilled in the art will be aware that the suitability of a particular carrier will depend on the type of beneficial mite selected and will be able to select suitable carriers. For example, suitable carriers can be selected from plant materials such as (wheat) bran, sawdust, corn kernels, etc. WO 2013/103295 also discloses the suitability of chaff as a carrier material for mite populations. When a carrier is present in the pliers compartment, the carrier material preferably does not completely fill the pliers compartment and some free space is left above the material in the pliers compartment. The free space can be created by using a carrier volume of 60-95%, preferably 70-90%, more preferably 75-85% of the volume x of the pliers compartment. Free space can facilitate gas exchange between multiple compounds. In this regard, if a carrier is used and there is free space in the jaw compartment, several connections are preferably provided at the top of the clamp compartment (where there will be free space).

The compartment additionally contains a food source for beneficial mites. The practitioner should be aware that the suitability of the food source may depend on the species of beneficial mite selected. For predatory species, live prey may be preferable. For example, Astigmatid mites may be suitable prey for predatory mites. The Astigmatid mite species that can be selected as a food source for predatory mite species are already listed above. Thus, in some embodiments of the invention, the mite compartment may contain carnivorous mite species as beneficial mites and Astigmatid mite species as a food source for the predatory mites. According to further embodiments of the invention, a population of Astigmatid mite species provided as a food source for predatory mites may be at least partially immobilized, as disclosed in WO 2013/103294. In addition, eggs of the lepidoptera Corcyra cephalonica or Ephestia kuehniella may be suitable as a food source for many mesostigmatic or prostigmatic predatory mites, such as phytoseiid predatory mites. As is known to one skilled in the art, lepidopteran eggs are typically inactivated when provided as a food source for predatory mites. The specialist should be aware that additional food sources for predatory mites can be selected from Artemia or from pollen, for example, pollen from Typha spp.

The mite compartment of the inventive system is surrounded by a material having a low gas exchange rate and, in particular, a water vapor penetration rate of <5 g/m ² *24 h. Materials with such low water vapor penetration rates also have low permeability rates of metabolic gases produced by the mites ( and microorganisms also present in tick cultures), such as O2 and/or CO2. As stated above, the present inventors have surprisingly discovered that, contrary to the general belief that gas-permeable materials must be used in systems for releasing beneficial mites, populations of beneficial mite species can be effectively maintained in a compartment surrounded by material having low gas permeability . Any material having a specified water vapor penetration rate can be suitably used within the scope of the present invention. There is no specific lower limit for the rate of water vapor penetration other than what is technically feasible. The skilled person should be aware that gas-impermeable materials are available that have an infinitesimal rate of water vapor penetration. Thus, the water vapor penetration rate of a selected gas barrier material can range from 5.0 g/ ^m2 *24 h to a theoretical value of 0.00 g/ ^m2 *24 h. Suitable gas barrier materials can have a water vapor penetration rate as low as 5.0 up to 0.01 g/ ^m2 *24 h, preferably from 3.5 to 0.05 g/ ^m2 *24 h, for example, from 2.5 to 0.1 g/ ^m2 *24 h, more preferably from 2.0 to 1.0 g/ ^m2 *24 h, for example 2.0 to 0.5 g/ ^m2 *24 h, most preferably 2.0 to 1.0 g/ ^m2 *24 h .

- 5 045019

One skilled in the art will appreciate that any connections made between the various parts of the gas-impermeable material required to create the mite compartment must also be resistant to the penetration of water vapor in the same range as the gas-impermeable material. The specialist must have knowledge of how to make connections resistant to the penetration of water vapor. Suitable gas-tight materials will preferably also provide seals that are resistant to water vapor penetration.

As used herein, the term compartment refers to an enclosed portion or space. In the system of the present invention, the mite compartment space is sealed off by surrounding it with a gas-impermeable material. The reference to a mite compartment surrounded by a gas-impermeable material means that the compartment space is surrounded (or enveloped) by a gas-impermeable material. The gas-impermeable material used is preferably in the form of a sheet, more preferably a flexible sheet. The pliers compartment is surrounded by several planes of gas-tight material. A number of gas-tight materials are used to surround, fence, and envelop the mite compartment. Preferably, one type of gas-impermeable material is used for all planes of gas-impermeable material surrounding the mite compartment, so that said series of gas-impermeable materials refers to one gas-impermeable material, that is, a single one. However, in some alternative embodiments, different types of gas barrier materials may be used for different planes within the total number of planes surrounding the mite compartment. For example, in a sachet, the front plane may be made of a first type of gas-impermeable material and the rear plane may be made of a second type of gas-impermeable material. In such cases, a number of gas-impermeable materials refers to a variety of gas-impermeable materials.

The term plane refers to a surface of any possible shape or configuration. Preferably, the series of planes surrounding the pliers compartment are at least substantially flat. Alternatively, the planes can be curved. In some embodiments, the planes may have a mixed shape, including regions that are at least substantially flat and regions that are curved. At least substantially flat includes flat and completely flat.

Row in this specification of the present invention means one or more, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more. In some embodiments, the row is a plurality, such as 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, or 10. The row of planes of gas-impermeable material surrounding the mite compartment may be a single plane. One skilled in the art will know and understand that a single plane can form a three-dimensional structure surrounding a compartment having a certain volume if the plane is curved and fixed into a three-dimensional surrounding structure.

For example, a closed compartment shaped like a stick for stirring sugar or cream into coffee may be formed from a rectangular flexible sheet bent into a cylindrical shape and fixing the sides to form a cylindrical shell, which forms a closed shell, followed by fixing two opposite open ends (at the top and bottom ends) of the cylinder to close the open ends. A compartment in such an object is surrounded by one plane of the surrounding sheet.

A specialist must know what water vapor is, and, in particular, that it is the gaseous state of water. Materials having a low gas exchange rate, gas impermeable materials suitable for use in the present invention have a water vapor transmission rate of <5 g/m ² *24 hours. In some preferred embodiments, the test conditions for water vapor transmission rates are 38° C. relative humidity 90%. Water vapor transmission rates can be determined according to ASTM E96, ASTM E398, or ASTM F1249 procedures. In some preferred embodiments, ASTM E96 procedures are used to determine the water vapor transmission rate. The materials having low water vapor permeability values selected in the present invention also have low levels of metabolic gas permeability. For example, BUI43 foil (obtained from Euroflex BV, Zwolle, the Netherlands) according to the supplier has an oxygen permeability of about 5 cm ³ /m ² *24 h (measured according to ASTM F 1927 at 23°C, 50% relative humidity). Similarly, Nativia™ NZSS films (Taghleef Industries) according to the manufacturer have an oxygen permeability of approximately 12 cm ³ /m ² *24 h (measured in accordance with ASTM D 3985 at 23°C, 50% relative humidity) and EcoMet films (Ultimet Films ) according to the manufacturer, have an oxygen permeability of approximately 3.0 cm ³ /m ² *24 h (measured in accordance with ASTM D 3985 at 23°C, 50% relative humidity).

The gas barrier material may be selected from any material having a specified water vapor transmission rate, and one skilled in the art will be able to select materials having a water vapor transmission rate within the specified ranges. Multilayer materials are preferred. A multilayer material should be understood as a material having at least three layers. In particular, a lot

- 6 045019 layer materials can have good gas-tight properties. In some preferred embodiments, the selected gas barrier material may be a metal-polymer material, preferably a metal-polymer laminated film, such as a laminated film comprising a metallized polymer film. Metal-polymer materials, in particular, have good gas-tight properties, particularly if they are multilayered. Flexible films are particularly preferred because they can be more easily formed into desired shapes. The gas barrier material may be selected, for example, NatureFlex™ N932 (Innovia™ Films), as specified by the supplier, having a water vapor transmission rate of <5 g/m ² *24 h (determined in accordance with ASTM E96 at 38°C, 90 relative humidity %). However, observations made by the inventors indicate that this material may have a lower water vapor transmission rate than specified by the supplier. Alternatively, BUI43 foil (available from Euroflex BV, Zwolle, the Netherlands) can be used. This BUI43 foil according to the supplier has a water vapor transmission rate of <1.5 g/m ² *24 h (determined in accordance with ASTM E96 at 38°C, 90% relative humidity). Other alternative gas barrier materials can be selected from Nativia™ NZSS films (Taghleef Industries), which according to the supplier have a water vapor transmission rate of approximately 2.3 g/ ^m2 * 24 h (determined according to ASTM F1249 at 38°C, 90% relative humidity) and EcoMet films (Ultimet Films), which according to the supplier have a water vapor transmission rate of approximately 1.0 g/m ² *24 h (determined according to ASTM F1249 at 38°C, 90% relative humidity). Although the use of these materials is particularly preferred, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the contents of this specification that the gas barrier material can be selected from a material other than a metal-polymer material, for example a metal-polymer laminated film, such as a laminated film containing a metallized polymer film.

A series of planes of gas-tight material surrounding the clamp compartment will have a defined surface area z, expressed in mm ² . The stated surface area represents the actual surface area of the barrier material, which is the surface area defining (or constituting the limits of) the mite compartment. This is the surface area of the gas-impermeable material that is in contact with the interior of the mite compartment. Depending on the specific use of the mite distribution system, the z value of the surface area of the barrier material may be a value selected from 0.5 * 103 to 30 * 103 mm ² , preferably from 2.5 * 103 to 15 * 103 mm ² , more preferably from 3 .0*103 to 7.0*103 mm ² .

The compartment for the pliers will have a certain volume x, expressed in ^mm3 . The volume of the mite compartment is the volume of space surrounded by planes of gas-tight material. The x volume value can be selected in the range from 3*10 ³ to 600*10 ³ mm ³ , preferably from 6*10 ³ to 300*10 ³ mm ³ , more preferably from 8*10 ³ to 100*10 ³ mm ³ , the most preferably from 9*10 ³ to 35*10 ³ mm ³ .

The system further comprises a series of connections that connect the interior of the pliers compartment to the space outside the pliers compartment. The connections primarily serve the function of facilitating gas exchange and allowing (motile) members of the beneficial mite population to exit the mite compartment. A series should be construed as one or more as defined above. Holes in gas-tight material are suitable for making connections. The holes can be created by any suitable means known to one skilled in the art, such as mechanical piercing, punching or needle piercing or, when the gas-impermeable material has a relatively low melting point (below 150° C.), as is common with many metallized polymer films, thermal piercing or burning. Other alternative means of creating holes may include laser piercing. Preferably, a method is chosen that creates the openings by removing the gas-impermeable material.

Each of a number of joints will have a certain surface area y, expressed in mm ² . The area at a junction is the area available for gas exchange through that junction. Σу - summation of the area of individual connections in the system. For example, if the system of the invention contains 2 connections, the first has an area y1 of 1.0 mm ² , and the second has an area y2 of 2.0, then Σy = y1 + y2 = 1.0 + 2.0 = 3.0 mm ² . The surface area of the individual joints may have a value selected from 0.10 to 4.0 mm ² , preferably from 0.15 to 2.0 mm ² , more preferably from 0.20 to 1.5 mm ² , most preferably from 0 .20 to 0.50 mm ² . Within the specified size ranges, the shape of the connections used is such that the passage of mobile ticks present in the tick compartment is possible through at least one of the number of connections provided. In the wider ranges presented, the specialist will be able to select a narrower range suitable for the selected beneficial mite. For most useful pliers, ring joints of the sizes shown will generally work. Compounds of various non-ring shapes may also be suitable. Preferably, the non-ring joints have a shape and size that can enclose a circle having a surface area within the range specified for the y value.

According to some embodiments of the invention, it is preferred to use

- 7 045019 creation of multiple connections. In case of using multiple connections, the number of connections can be 1 per fraction of the volume of the pliers compartment. For example, 1 in 3*10 ³ mm ³ or, alternatively, 1 in 5*10 ³ , 10*10 ³ , 15*10 ³ , 20*10 ³ , 25*10 ³ , 30*10 ³ , 35*10 ³ , 40*10 ³ or 50*10 ³ mm ³ compartment volume for pliers. For example, for a pliers compartment having a volume of x 200*10 ³ mm ³ , multiple connections can be provided so that 1 connection is provided per 20*10 ³ mm ³ . In this case, 200/20=10 connections will be provided. Alternatively, for a pliers compartment having a volume of x 70*10 ³ mm ³ , multiple connections can be provided so that 1 connection is provided per 25*10 ³ mm ³ . In this case, 2 connections are provided due to the fact that 70/25 = 2.8 and the total number of connections that can be provided is 2. Typically, when using pliers compartments having a volume x greater than 20 * 10 ³ mm ³ , it is preferable to use multiple connections.

According to some embodiments, connections are preferably provided at the top end of the system. The reference to the upper part refers to the situation in which the system of the invention is used. In case the system of the invention is provided with means for hanging it, the upper part will be at the end of the hanging means.

In the system of the invention, the x value of the volume of the pliers compartment and the y value of the joint area are selected so that 5*10 ³ mm <x/Σy<70*10 ³ mm, preferably 6*10 ³ mm <x/Σy<60*10 ³ mm, more preferably 7*10 ³ mm <x/Ey<50*10 ³ mm, where Σγ is the sum of the areas of the joints. This ensures that the openings are relatively small compared to the size of the compartment, limiting the escape of water vapor from the mite compartment. It is surprising that mite populations can be effectively maintained in a closed compartment surrounded by material having low oxygen permeability and connected only to the outer surface by connections of such a relatively small size.

In the system according to the invention (i) the water vapor penetration rate of the material surrounding the clamp compartment (WVTR), the volume x of the clamp compartment, the area y of the joints and the proportion x/Σy (where Σy is the total area of the joints (summing the area of the individual joints)) should be within certain predetermined ranges. Selection within the presented ranges must be made so that all criteria for WVTR, x, y and x/Σy are within the specified ranges. The table below shows the combinations of WVTR, x, y and x/Σy provided in the present invention. Different columns representing different values for WVTR present different combinations of x, y and x/Σγ. A particularly preferred embodiment has the following combinations: WVTR=2.0-1.0 g/m ² *24 h, x=9*10 ³ -35*10 ³ mm ³ , y=0.20-0, 50 mm ² , x/Σу=7*10 ³ -50*10 ³ mm.

WVTR (g/m ² *24h) 5.0-0.00 WVTR (g/m ² *24h) 5.0-0.01 WVTR (g/m ² *24h) 3.5-0.05 WVTR (g/m ² *24h) 2.5-0.1 WVTR (g/m ² *24h) 2.0-0.1 WVTR (g/ ^m2 *24h) 2.0-0.5 WVTR (d/t ² *24h) 2.0-1.0 x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 χ/Σγ: 5k-70k x/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 x/Ly: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 x/Ly: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 x/Ly: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 x/Ly: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 x/Ly: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k

- 8 045019

x: Zk-600k y: 0.20-0.50 χ/Σγ: 5k-70k x: 3k-600k y: 0.20-0.50 χ/Σγ: 5k-70k x: 3k-600k y: 0.20-0.50 χ/Σγ: 5k-70k x: 3k-600k y: 0.20-0.50 χ/Σγ: 5k-70k x: 3k-600k y: 0.20-0.50 χ/Σγ: 5k-70k x: 3k-600k y: 0.20-0.50 χ/Σγ: 5k-70k x: 3k-600k y: 0.20-0.50 χ/Σγ: 5k-70k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 x/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 x/Ly: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 x/Ly: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 x/Ly: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 x/Ly: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 x/Ly: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k χ/Σγ: 5k-70k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 x/Ly: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 x/Ly: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 x/Zy: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 x/Ly: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 x/Ly: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: 6k-60k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0

- 9 045019

χ/Σγ: 6k-60k χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ: bk-ZOOk x: bk-ZOOK x: bk-ZOOK x: bk-ZOOK x: bk-ZOOK x: bk-ZOOK x: bk-ZOOk y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk x: bk-ZOOK x: bk-ZOOK x: bk-ZOOK x: bk-ZOOK x: bk-ZOOK x: bk-ZOOK x: bk-ZOOK y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk x: Zk-bOOk x: Zk-bOOk x: Zk-bOOk x: Zk-bOOk x: Zk-bOOk x: Zk-bOOk x: Zk-bOOk y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk x: bk-ZOOK x: bk-ZOOK x: bk-ZOOK x: bk-ZOOK x: bk-ZOOK x: bk-ZOOk x: bk-ZOOk y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk χ/Σγ: bk-bOk x: Zk-bOOk x: Zk-bOOk x: Zk-bOOk x: Zk-bOOk x: Zk-bOOk x: Zk-bOOk x: Zk-bOOk y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k x: bk-ZOOK x: bk-ZOOK x: bk-ZOOK x: bk-ZOOK x: bk-ZOOK x: bk-ZOOK x: bk-ZOOK y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k x: Zk-bOOk x: Zk-bOOk x: Zk-bOOk x: Zk-bOOk x: Zk-bOOk x: Zk-bOOk x: Zk-bOOk y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k x: Zk-bOOk x: Zk-bOOk x: Zk-bOOk x: Zk-bOOk x: Zk-bOOk x: Zk-bOOk x: Zk-bOOk

- 10 045019

y: 0.20-1.5 χ/Σγ: 7k-50k y: 0.20-1.5 χ/Σγ: 7k-50k y: 0.20-1.5 χ/Σγ: 7k-50k y: 0.20-1.5 χ/Σγ: 7k-50k y: 0.20-1.5 χ/Σγ: 7k-50k y: 0.20-1.5 χ/Σγ: 7k-50k y: 0.20-1.5 χ/Σγ: 7k-50k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 y: 0.15-2.0 χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 y: 0.20-1.5 χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 y: 0.20-0.50 χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k x: 3k-600k y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k x: 6k-300k y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k x: 8k-100k y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k x: 9k-35k y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 y: 0.10-4.0 χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k χ/Σγ: 7k-50k

k= *10 ³

The specialist must understand that under the influence of force, the volume of the body may change. This applies in particular to housings made of flexible material such as flexible film. In the case of flexible materials, the volume of the mite compartment may vary between the volume of material present in the mite compartment (e.g., the composition of the mite, including members of the mite population and often the host) and the maximum volume that the material surrounding the mite compartment, i.e., is gas-tight material, can provide based on its dimensions and/or geometric constraints. Thus, for clamp release systems using flexible gas-impermeable material, the value of x may not be fixed, but may vary. For such systems, the relevant volume of the clamp compartment to be taken into account to determine the x/Σy ratio is the volume that the clamp compartment has over a significant period of time, for example at least 12 hours, or for example at least at least 18 hours

The barrier material used is preferably opaque, thereby preventing light from entering the mite compartment. This is useful in preventing heat absorption from visible light in the mite compartment. NatureFlexTM N932 film (InnoviaTM Films) and BUI43 foil (available from Euroflex B.V., Zwolle, The Netherlands) are examples of gas barriers having opaque properties.

In view of the long-term use of the system of the invention, it is further preferred that the system be made from compostable materials. The use of compostable gas-tight materials is preferred in this regard. NatureFlex™ N932 film (Innovia™ Films) and BUI43 foil (available from Euroflex B.V., Zwolle, The Netherlands) are examples of compostable gas barrier materials having suitable properties.

Additional aspects of the invention relate to the use of the system according to the invention for introducing beneficial mites into a target area. The target area can be any area in which beneficial mite activity is desired. Beneficial mites can be predatory mites or ale

- 11 045019 cabbage soup suitable as a food source for predatory mites or other predatory beneficial arthropods. As will be clear from the present description, in case the beneficial mites are selected from predatory mite species, mite species suitable as a food source for the predatory mites may also be present in the mite compartment of the system according to the invention. Also, as will be clear from the present description, if the beneficial mites are selected from species of mites suitable as a food source for predatory mites or other predatory arthropods, the predatory mites are preferably not present in the mite compartment of the system according to the invention. Or, if otherwise described, in such embodiments, the population of beneficial mites preferably consists of multiple species of mites suitable as a food source for predatory mites or other predatory arthropods. For example, if the beneficial mites are predatory mites having a crop pest control function, the target area may be crops. The crops may be selected from, without limitation, (greenhouse) vegetable crops such as tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), peppers (Capsicum annuum), eggplants (Solanum melogena), Curcubits (Cucurbitaceae), such as cucumbers (cucumis sativa), melons ( cucumis melo), watermelons (Citrullus lanatus); berries (such as strawberries (Fragaria x annanassa), raspberries (Rubus ideaus)), blueberries, (greenhouse) ornamental crops (such as roses, gerberas, chrysanthemums) or tree crops such as Citrus spp. Mites suitable for use as a food source for predatory mites or other predatory arthropods having a crop pest control function may also be released onto crops to support population development of predatory species present in the crop. Predatory mites may be a species from Mesostigmatida or Prostigmatida, as presented above. Other predatory arthropods may be selected from the family Miridae, e.g. Macrolophus spp., from the family Anthocoridae, e.g. Orius spp., e.g. Orius laevigatus, from the family Coccinellidae, e.g. Adalia spp., or Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, from Chrysopidae, e.g. Chrysoperla spp., for example Chrysoperla carnea.

In alternative embodiments, the beneficial mites may have the function of controlling pests of an animal, that is, a host animal, in particular pests of domestic animals, including farm animals and companion animals such as poultry, cattle, horses, dogs or cats. According to such embodiments, the target area may be a stall or sleeping area of the host animal. The system according to the invention can, for example, be used to support the control of red bird mite by including as beneficial mites predatory mites selected from the genus Hypoaspis, such as Hypoaspis angusta, from the genus Cheyletus, such as Cheyletus eruditis, from the genus Androlaelaps, such as Androlaelaps casalis, from the family Laelapidae, for example, from the genus Stratiolelaaps, for example, Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Womersley); Gaeolaelaps, for example Gaeolaelaps aculeifer (Canestrini); Androlaelaps, for example Androlaelaps casalis (Berlese) or from the genus Macrocheles, such as Macrocheles robustulus or from astigmatic mites, suitable as prey for the predatory mite of this choice. As is known to one skilled in the art, these predatory mites have wider host ranges and therefore can also be used to control other pests. Additionally, other beneficial predatory arthropods may also be used to control pests of animal hosts. The system of the invention can be used to release astigmatic mites, which can serve as a food source for such beneficial predatory arthropods and thus can support the survival and/or development of their populations, thereby supporting pest control of the host animal.

In other embodiments, the beneficial mites are predators of stored food pests, such as barn mites. In such embodiments, the target area is a food storage area.

When using the invention, the beneficial mite is introduced into the target area by providing the system of the invention at or in close proximity to the target area. This can be done by placing the invention system in the target area or hanging it in the target area. For suspension in the target area, the system of the invention according to some embodiments may comprise suspension means, for example, multiple hooks and/or multiple threads. Such suspension means may be attached to a gas-impermeable material.

As shown in the experiments below, the mite release system of the invention retains the required functionality when used in an environment where the ambient relative humidity (RH) is below 70%. This provides a system that is more reliable and can be used in environments where RH fluctuates to values below 70% or even averages less than 70%. Because environmental conditions may not always be controlled, the present invention provides a system with a reduced risk of failure due to too low ambient humidity. Therefore, according to some preferred embodiments, the system of the invention is intended for use in an environment in which the ambient relative humidity (RH) can reach values below 65%, for example from 65% to 10%, or below 60%, below 55%, below 50% , below 45%, below 40%, below 30%, below 25%, below 20% or below 15%. In other preferred embodiments, the system of the invention is intended for use in an environment in which the average relative humidity (RH) of the environment is below 65%, for example from 65% to 10%, or below 60%, below 55%, below 50 %, below 45%, below 40%, below 30%, below 25%, below 20% or below 15%.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of controlling a pest that may be preyed upon by species of predatory mites or other beneficial species of predatory arthropods, including providing a system according to the invention in a target area in which the pest is to be controlled.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for obtaining an agricultural product from a variety of non-human organisms susceptible to infestation by a pest that may be preyed upon by a predatory beneficial arthropod, the method comprising:

providing a range of non-human organisms in an area that is a target area; providing in or near the target area several systems according to the invention;

providing a range of non-human organisms with suitable nutrients and environmental conditions to produce an agricultural product.

The range of non-human organisms may be selected from crop species (as previously defined), bird species, preferably poultry species such as chickens or turkeys, and mammalian livestock.

A pest susceptible to becoming prey for a predatory mite species should be understood to refer to a pest that is suitable prey for a predatory mite present in a mite release system (a predatory mite selected as a beneficial mite).

Non-human organisms susceptible to infestation by a pest susceptible to becoming prey for a predatory mite species should be understood to refer to a non-human organism susceptible to attracting a pest, wherein said pest is a suitable prey item for a predatory mite present in mite release system (a predatory mite chosen as a beneficial mite). Thus, non-human organisms susceptible to infestation by the pest are a suitable host for the pest, and the pest is a suitable prey for the predatory mite present in the mite release system (the predatory mite selected as a beneficial mite).

Agricultural products that can be obtained from crops may include any plant material having agricultural value, such as plant biomass, seeds, fruits, etc. Agricultural products that can be obtained from avian species such as poultry, particularly chickens or turkeys, may include meat, eggs and manure. Agricultural products that can be obtained from mammalian livestock such as cattle, goats, sheep, pigs may include meat, leather and manure.

Various embodiments of this aspect of the invention and related technical details are similar to embodiments of the system for introducing beneficial pincers into a target area, as discussed above.

The invention will now be illustrated with reference to the accompanying figures and the example presented below. It should be emphasized that these figures, the description associated therewith and the example are illustrative only and in no way limit the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

In fig. 1 schematically shows a tick release system (1) according to an embodiment of the invention, having the form of a stick-shaped sachet. In fig. 1A is a view from the front side of the pliers release system (1), where the front panel (2) is located. In fig. 1B is a view from the rear side of the pliers release system (1), where the first rear panel (3) and the second rear panel (4) and the rear side of the sealing surface (5) are located. In fig. 1C is a view in the direction of the longest axis of the elongated plier release system (1). The stick-shaped sachet (1) is folded from flat foil (BUI 43, Euroflex B.V., Zwolle, the Netherlands) shown in FIG. 1D, with the outside facing up. The parts forming the front panel (2) (width 35 mm and length 85 mm), the first rear panel (3), the second rear panel (4) and the sealing seam (5) in the folded structure of the plier release system (1) are indicated. In addition, in FIG. 1D shows a second sealing surface (6), which is connected to the sealing surface (5) and the fold (7). In the folded and sealed configuration, the fold (7) and the second sealing surface (6), covered by the sealing surface (5), are not visible. The folded configuration shown in FIG. 1A, 1B and 1C are produced using a method similar to the methods for making sugar sticks and coffee creamer sticks using similar machines. To do this, the sealing surface (5) is connected to the sealing surface (6), and their parts are sealed at an appropriate temperature above the sealing temperature of the material. A fold is then created along the line between parts (6) and (7) to allow the sealing seam to bend back towards the stick body. This allows the sealing seam to be secured to the body of the stick on the second back panel (4). Then the lower seal (8) is performed. This creates an open container, which is filled with a mite composition containing a population of mites on the carrier. After filling, perform the upper seal (9). This upper seal (9) is wider than the lower seal (8) to provide an attachment point for the hanging means,

- 13 045019 such as a cardboard hook (not shown). In fig. The 1D locations of the lower seal (8) and upper seal (9) are represented by reference numbers in parentheses due to the fact that in the flat unfolded position the seals are not actually present.

In fig. Figure 2 shows how a roll of foil can be used to form several sachets for releasing ticks. For one flat piece of foil, the parts forming a front panel (2), a first rear panel (3), a second rear panel (4) and a sealing seam (5) in the folded structure of the pliers release system are indicated. In addition, the inner layer of the seam (7), the part (6) covered with the sealing seam, and the parts where thermal seals (8) and (9) will be made are indicated. Cutting, folding, sealing, filling with a mite composition containing a mite population in combination with a carrier, and creating an opening (10) for connecting the mite compartment to the space outside the mite compartment can be performed fully automatically using technology and methods, such as technology and methods, used to produce sugar sticks and creamer in coffee.

Example

Tick cultures.

Breeding the population of Amblyseius swirskii on the prey mite Carpoglyphus lactis on a carrier material of moistened bran (water content 20% m/m). Nutrients for C. lactis were obtained from bran flour material and 5% (w/w) yeast extract added to the bran. The number of mites in the culture mixture was assessed using standard counting methods as described in van Lenteren, J. C., Hale, A., Klapwijk, J. N., van Schelt, J. and S. Steinberg (2003) Guidelines for quality control of commercially produced natural enemies . In: van Lenteren, J.C. (ed) Quality control and production of biological control agents: Theory and testing procedures CABI Publishing, Wallingford UK, pp 293-294.

Methodology.

We compared tick release systems (sachets) with the following design options for the tick compartment.

1. Polyethylene (PE) coated paper (kraft paper 40 g/ ^m2 , laminated with extruded PE 17 g/ ^m2 (KVM 40 + 17 g) Burgo, Italy), standard* pliers compartment shape and one hole with a diameter of 0.65±0.05 mm, connecting to the space outside the pliers compartment.

2. PE-coated paper (kraft paper 40 g/m ² laminated with extruded PE 17 g/m ² (KVM 40+17 g) Burgo, Italy), standard* shape of the pliers compartment and one hole with a diameter of 1, 3 mm connecting to the space outside the pliers compartment.

3. BUI43 foil (Euroflex B.V., Zwolle, the Netherlands), standard* shape of the pliers compartment and one hole with a diameter of 0.65 ± 0.05 mm connecting to the space outside the pliers compartment.

4. BUI 43 foil (Euroflex B.V., Zwolle, the Netherlands), standard* shape of the pliers compartment and one hole with a diameter of 1.3 mm connecting to the space outside the pliers compartment.

5. BUI 43 foil (Euroflex B.V., Zwolle, the Netherlands), stick shape** (stick-shaped) of the pliers compartment and one hole with a diameter of 0.65 ± 0.05 mm connecting to the space outside the pliers compartment.

The standard form is used in the standard mite release system (sachets) from Koppert Biological Systems (Berkel en Rodenrijs, the Netherlands) currently used in the SWIRSKI-MITE PLUS products (mite compartment size excluding sealing strips: 50x50 mm). Based on these dimensions, the volume of filled material (2.3 g of carrier material, corresponding to approximately 11.5 cm ³ ) and the remaining free space, the volume of the interior of the pliers compartment (x) was determined to be approximately 14 cu. cm.

** The stick shape is an alternative shape according to certain embodiments of the invention (plier compartment size excluding sealing strips: 35x65mm). Based on these dimensions, the volume of filled material (2.3 g of carrier material, corresponding to approximately 11.5 cm ³ ) and the remaining free space, the volume of the interior of the pliers compartment (x) was determined to be approximately 14 cu. cm.

The BUI foil sachets were hand-made using manual compaction machines, and the PE-coated paper sachets were manufactured at Koppert BV's production facilities to the specifications for the SWIRSKI-MITE PLUS product. Near the top of the bag there is one hole with a diameter of 0.65 ± 0.05 mm (y = 7n * (0.65/2) 2 = 0.33 mm ² ) or a diameter of 1.3 mm (y = n * (1, 3/2) 2 = 1.3 mm ² ), which was created by two different types of needles having shafts with diameters of the specified sizes. Both holes with a diameter of 0.65 and 1.3 mm are relatively small compared to those used in the prior art.

Mite counts according to standard methods (van Lenteren et al., 2003, supra), carried out on a carrier material of moistened bran and nutrients, showed that it contained approximately 112 A. swirskii and 277 C. lactis per gram per gram. the beginning of the experiment. 2.3 grams (about 11.5 cc) of carrier material were filled into sachets (resulting in approximately 257 A. swirskii and approximately 637 C. lactis per sachet). After this, the sachets were sealed. Thus, 45 sachets of each type were prepared.

-

Claims (4)

36 sachets of each type were hung alternately on cotton thread using paper clips in a climate chamber controlled at 22 degrees Celsius and 50% relative humidity. Twice a week, 3 sachets of each type were selected as follows. The sachets were opened and the contents of 3 sachets of the same type were mixed and the number of mites in the mixture was assessed using standard counting methods (van Lenteren et al., 2003, supra). At the same time, the water activity (Rotronic HP23-AW-A with HC2-AW) and moisture content (Sartorius MA150) of the carrier material were measured. This procedure was repeated until the number of mites in the sachets was significantly reduced. At the same time, other sachets were used to test the release of mites from the system. Three sachets of each type were placed together in a glass jar. Each glass jar was placed separately in a plastic bucket (10 liters) at a certain level (2 cm deep) of water, to which a few drops of soap were added. The buckets were placed in another climate chamber, also controlled at 22 degrees Celsius and 50% relative humidity. The mites (predatory mites and prey mites) emerged from the jars, which the inventors placed in a soapy water solution. Twice a week, all glass jars were transferred to new, clean, plastic buckets with a new soapy water solution. This procedure was repeated until the yield (reproduction) of mites decreased significantly. Ticks were counted in a soapy water solution. Results. The results of counts of predatory mites (A. swirskii) and prey mites (C. lactis) inside mite release systems of various designs are shown in FIG. 3A and 3B. In fig. 4A and 4B show water activity (a _w ) and moisture content over time within tick release systems of various designs. In fig. 5A and 5B show the results of counts of predatory mites (A. swirskii) and prey mites (C. lactis) collected in the soapy water used in the exit test. These numbers represent the number of mites that were actively dispersed from the mite release systems during the experiment. Conclusions. Based on the data presented, it may be surprising to conclude that mite populations can be maintained over long periods of time in mite release systems made from materials with low water vapor penetration rates (and corresponding low permeability rates of one or more metabolic gases) while as there is only a small opening for gas exchange. More surprisingly, mite population development within such systems improved under 50% relative humidity conditions compared to prior art mite release systems. These conditions and lower relative humidity values are common in many agricultural areas, particularly outdoor crops (at least there is a risk of these conditions). Thus, the mite release systems of the invention are better adapted to changes in humidity conditions than prior art mite release systems and can therefore be used with less risk of failure in situations where there is a risk of low relative humidity values (below 65% or e.g. below 55%). In addition, it is also surprising that the dispersion of mites from the mite release systems increased after creating a reduced size hole connecting the mite compartment and the space outside the mite compartment. CLAIM 1. A device for releasing predatory mites, comprising a mite compartment containing a population of a species of predatory mite selected from the family Phytoseiidae, and a food source for the predatory mites, wherein said food source is selected from prey mites selected from the suborder Astigmata, wherein said compartment for The mites are surrounded by a gas-impermeable material having a water vapor penetration rate of <5 g/m ² *24 h, and the said mite compartment has a volume of x mm ³ , where x ranges from 3*103 to 600*103 mm ³ , and the device additionally contains several holes that connect the pliers compartment to the space outside the pliers compartment, each of said row of holes having an area y, where y ranges from 0.1 to 4.0 mm ² , and the sum of the areas of the row of holes is Σy and at the same time 5*103 mm < x/Σу < 70*103 mm. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the selected gas barrier material comprises a metal-polymer laminated material, preferably a metal-polymer laminated film, such as a laminated film containing a metallized polymer film. 3. Use of a device according to claim 1 or 2 for introducing a species of predatory mite selected from the family Phytoseiidae into a crop. 4. A method of controlling a pest that may be preyed upon by species of predatory mites selected from the family Phytoseiidae, comprising placing several devices according to claim 1 or 2 in the crop in which the pest needs to be controlled. -