News » 30.05.2025 - The legacy behind the use of predatory mites
Behind each of Koppert's predatory mite-based products lies an invisible yet fundamental commitment: the company does everything it takes to ensure they meet our highest quality standards. This is not just a simple promise but a reality built day by day thanks to the work of people like Bertha María Toledo, Biological Quality Coordinator at Koppert Mexico. Her role is essential to ensure that every predatory mite reaching our customers is in optimal condition to protect their crops. Bertha's unique connection with predatory mites reinforces her conviction to ensure they arrive in perfect condition to perform their task: protecting the crops that provide us with food.
Roots in nature
Originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, Bertha showed a passion for biodiversity and agriculture from an early age. Her fascination with ecosystems and the interaction between living beings led her to study Agricultural Sustainable Innovation Engineering, a field that combines knowledge of biology and agronomy to promote environmentally friendly agricultural practices. For Bertha, plants are fundamental pillars of ecosystems, not only because they provide us with food but also because they sustain life on earth.
Commitment to biological excellence
Bertha found in Koppert the perfect place to merge her love for plants with her commitment to ecological management that reduces pesticide use. Since 2014, she has been dedicated to ensuring the quality of the predatory mites that Koppert produces and imports. Her work involves verifying the quantity, activity, and capability of these small yet powerful allies, ensuring they arrive strong and effective to farmers' crops.
"Predatory mites are tiny creatures, but they are excellent fighters. They combat pests voraciously and adapt to different conditions to protect plants", Bertha passionately explains. This adaptability, combined with the mites' voracity and tenacity, guarantees their effectiveness in the field. Predatory mites not only fight pests directly but also help maintain ecological balance, enabling more sustainable and resilient agriculture.
Science and experience as the keys to success
Bertha's expertise in biological quality assessment also includes conducting predation experiments and studying mite biology to determine their oviposition rate, longevity, and behavior under different conditions. "The first time I saw the effect of predatory mites on a crop, I was amazed. Seeing how a plant remained healthy and vigorous thanks to these tiny allies was a revealing experience", she recalls.
A legacy of innovation
Bertha's story reflects the spirit of Koppert: a company that was not only the first to introduce a predatory mite for pest control but has also continued to innovate to offer superior quality products. The combination of scientific research, cutting-edge technology, and deep respect for nature distinguishes Koppert in the global market. The legacy of our founder, Jan Koppert, lives on through the commitment of everyone involved in breeding and distribution. Jan Koppert, a visionary Dutch grower, pioneered the use of natural solutions for pest control when he introduced predatory mites as an alternative to chemical pesticides. His innovative spirit and dedication to sustainable agriculture continue to inspire our practices today. "Providing certainty to our customers is the first step towards a successful crop protection strategy, and our customers' success is the future for my child and future generations", she emphasizes.
Source: www.floraldaily.com
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