CottonCAP^®

An insecticide free solution for silverleaf whitefly suppression

CottonCAP® capsules contain 500 beneficial parasitoids (Eretmocerus hayati) that parasitise silverleaf whitefly (SLW); a multi-step process that ultimately results in the death of the host insect and the emergence of subsequent generations of parasitoids to provide ongoing suppression of pest populations.

Why choose CottonCAP®?

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Reduce SLW populations early in the crop cycle.

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Reduce, delay or eliminate the need for chemical insecticides

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Prevent SLW resistance to chemical insecticides

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Nil impact on non-target species and other beneficial insects due to specificity of E.hayati to SLW

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Quick and even distribution of E.hayati by air using precision placement technology

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Cost-effective management of SLW

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Our pioneering capsule containment system is crafted entirely from renewable, compostable and biodegradable materials

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Promotes eco-friendly cotton farming by protecting soil health and water quality

How CottonCAP® works

Steps

Monitor: Consultants or growers monitor the cotton crop for the first signs of nymph or adult SLW by closely inspecting the undersides of cotton leaves.
Order capsules: At first detection of SLW, contact Crop Capsules to order CottonCAP® and arrange aerial application.
Distribute: Capsules, filled with parasitic wasp pupae (an even split of males and females) are quickly and evenly distributed across the field by air.
Emerge: Capsules protect parasitic wasps during application and emergence over 5 days
Reproduce: Capsules provide a convenient, safe and productive environment for mating wasps
Parasitise: Fertilised female wasps lay their eggs under the SLW nymphs.
Kill host: E.hayati larvae hatch from eggs and penetrate the nymph bodies, where they develop through four instars before pupating inside the nymph.
Emerge: When the adult is ready to emerge, it chews a circular hole in the nymphal case to escape.
Ongoing suppression: Adult wasps then seek out partners to mate with and the cycle continues, providing ongoing suppression of SLW.

Application Timing

A preemptive inoculative release coinciding with the first and second generation of SLW is the most effective way to prevent SLW outbreaks in your crop.
Start monitoring the crop for signs of SLW activity at pre- or early flowering (around 1000DD).
First signs of nymph or adult SLW can be detected by closely inspecting the undersides of cotton leaves.
SLW population densities can increase rapidly in hot, dry conditions.

Application Rate

1 – 2 capsules per ha
In some cases, multiple releases may be required to provide adequate suppression, particularly if reinfestations of SLW from outside sources occur.

Application Method

CottonCAP® capsules are released across fields using a light aircraft equipped with a purpose-built hopper, ensuring quick and even distribution through precision placement technology.
We have a network of approved aerial operators and light aircraft fitted with capsule-spreading technology.