Crop Protection Methods
Biological solutions that protect your crop, your customers and the environment.
Specialised Biological Crop Protection
Zonda Beneficials provides specialised biological crop protection through the use of beneficial insects and organisms. We offer real, effective solutions for the control of plant pests and diseases that benefit you, your customers and the environment.
Biological crop protection works with nature rather than against it. By introducing natural enemies of common crop pests, we help growers reduce or eliminate their reliance on chemical pesticides, improving growing conditions, protecting product quality and meeting the increasingly strict requirements of export markets and retail supply chains.
Why Biological Crop Protection?
As the world evolves, consumers are more concerned than ever about the food they eat: where it comes from, how it’s grown, and what has been applied to it. Demand for ecological, sustainable growing methods is growing — and growers who can demonstrate reduced chemical inputs are better placed in both domestic and export markets.
When natural enemies are used to manage pest populations, the use of chemical controls can be significantly reduced, or eliminated altogether. This is an essential step on the path to more organic, residue-aware production — and it’s increasingly becoming the standard approach in progressive horticultural and agricultural operations.
Biological crop protection is not just better for the environment. It’s better for your crop, your workers, and your bottom line.
How Biological Control Works
Biological control uses living organisms — predatory insects, parasitic wasps, and other beneficial species — to manage pest populations naturally. These natural enemies are introduced into the growing environment at the right time and in the right numbers to target specific pests before they can cause significant crop damage.
The key benefits of this approach include:
- Reduced or eliminated chemical residues on produce
- Lower risk of pest resistance developing over time
- Safer working conditions for growers and harvest staff
- Improved eligibility for organic and residue-free certification programmes
- More consistent, predictable pest management outcomes across the season
- Compatibility with bumblebee pollination — protecting the beneficial insects already working in your crop
Biological control works best as part of an integrated crop management programme. Zonda works with growers to develop a tailored approach that matches your crop type, pest pressure, and production system.
A Complete Biological System
Zonda Beneficials supplies a complete biological crop protection system — not just products. From live beneficial organisms to on-the-ground advice and ongoing guidance, we work alongside growers at every stage of the growing season.
Our service includes:
- Live beneficial insects and biological control organisms, sourced fresh and delivered to your door
- Crop-specific advice on which biological controls are right for your pest pressure and growing system
- Programme design and timing guidance to ensure introductions are made at the right crop stage
- Monitoring support and follow-up to assess programme effectiveness
- Integration with bumblebee pollination programmes where relevant
The result is a healthy combination of natural solutions that delivers real, measurable results for New Zealand growers.
Common Crop Pests
Spider Mites
Spider mites are a pest in many crops. Their great reproductive capacity enables them to cause enormous damage in a short period of time. In many protected crops the two spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae is the most important pest. In field crops, other Tetranychus species can also cause damage.
Looking for Spider Mite Treatment?
View our Spidex range
Thrips
Onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci) and western flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) are a major problem in many protected crops, especially in cucumber.
Looking for Thrips Treatment?
View our Thripex range
Aphids
Aphids are a big problem in the horticultural sector. Through their enormous reproductive capability, aphids can cause severe damage to several crops. Resistance to pesticides is increasing. Important aphids occurring in glasshouses are: the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii, the glasshouse potato aphid Aulacorthum solani, the potato aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae and the green peach aphid Myzus persicae.
Looking for Aphid Traps?
View our Sticky Trap range
Sciarid Fly
Fungus gnats (Sciaridae) are a difficult pest, especially in young plant material. They can cause damage to seedlings, rootstock and cuttings of many plant species. Sciarid flies are often found in moist, organic environments.
Looking for Sciarid Fly Traps?
View our Sticky Trap range
Whitefly
The greenhouse whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum and the sweet potato whitefly Bemisia tabaci are major pests of many vegetable and ornamental crops. Due to its high resistance to most insecticides, the tobacco whitefly poses a particular threat to many crops.
Looking for Whitefly Traps?
View our Sticky Trap range
Caterpillars
Caterpillars of several butterfly and moth species cause damage to a variety of crops. The most important species occurring in glasshouses are the green looper (Chrysodeixis eripsoma), the tomato fruitworm (Heliothus zea), the tropical armyworm (Spodoptera litura), tomato stem borer (Symmetrischema tangolia), light brown apple moth / leaf roller (Epiphyas postuitana).
Psyllids
The psyllid is major pest to tomato, potato and sweet pepper. Due to its ability to jump and fly, readily dispersing between plants, the psyllid poses a serious threat.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs cause damage to several crops in the horticultural sector. The most important species occurring in the glasshouse belong to the genera Planococcus and Pseudococcus. Within the Planococcus genus, the citrus mealybug Planococcus citri is a particular problem; several species within the Pseudococcus genus occur in glasshouses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is biological crop protection?
Biological crop protection uses living organisms — such as predatory insects and parasitic wasps — to manage pest populations naturally. Rather than applying chemical pesticides, you introduce natural enemies that target specific pests in your crop.
Is biological control suitable for my crop?
Biological control has been proven effective across a wide range of horticultural crops including tomatoes, capsicum, cucumber, strawberries, leafy greens, ornamentals, and many outdoor crops. Contact the Zonda team to discuss whether a biological programme is right for your specific situation.
Can I use biological control alongside chemical pesticides?
In most cases, the two approaches need to be carefully managed together. Many chemical pesticides are harmful to beneficial insects, so the timing of any chemical applications needs to be planned carefully. Zonda can advise on compatible programmes and transition strategies.
Is biological control compatible with bumblebee pollination hives?
Yes — and this is one of the key advantages. Because biological control reduces the need for broad-spectrum insecticides, it protects the bumblebees in your crop. Using both a Zonda bumblebee hive and a biological control programme together produces better outcomes across the board: more effective pollination and better pest management.
How quickly does biological control work?
Results depend on the pest species, the level of infestation, and the timing of introductions. Biological control generally works best as a preventive or early-intervention measure. Zonda works with growers on monitoring and timing to maximise effectiveness.
Where do your biological control products come from?
Zonda’s biological control products are sourced through our partnership with Koppert Biological Systems of Holland, a world leader in biological crop protection. Organisms are produced in specialist facilities and shipped fresh to New Zealand for use in-season.