Author name: Karen

My passion is sustainable agriculture, science, and education. My research interests lie in using ecological theories to harness natural resources and reduce agriculture's environmental impact through biological pest control. I am Colombian, with a PhD in Science from the University of Amsterdam (UvA). I ​​hold a degree in Biology and a Master's in Applied Biology from the Nueva Granada Military University (UMNG). I am a graduate of the Juan del Corral District Technical Institute (I.T.D. JUDELCO). I have thoroughly enjoyed my studies, especially my introduction to applied biology in agriculture at UMNG and my life experience in Amsterdam during my PhD and now in Ede as a scientific advisor at Ctgb. I also appreciate the opportunity Bichópolis gives me to share my ideas and knowledge with this pioneering company in biological pest control in Cundinamarca, the region where I was born. Aside from what I've already mentioned, I believe the experiences that have most positively impacted me were, first, being part of the Junior Achievement program (Colombia) when I was in tenth grade (1999-2000) at I.T.D. JUDELCO. During this experience, I learned how to be an entrepreneur and, most importantly, how to be proactive and independent, which has been very useful throughout my life. The second experience that has most marked me was having the opportunity to be an instructor for Science Clubs Colombia in 2018. This experience filled me with hope; I was able to teach and learn from children curious about science. Their spontaneity and creativity surprised me positively and made me understand the importance of giving young people the tools they need to solve the challenges they will face in the future. I hope to continue contributing to science and agricultural education in my country of origin (Colombia) and in my adopted country (the Netherlands).

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English, Español, Nederlands

From biopesticides to regenerative agriculture: The journey behind van der Steen solutions

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At Van der Steen Solutions, we bridge science and practice to support sustainable agriculture. We provide soil biology evaluations to unlock the hidden potential beneath crops, data processing and analysis for biocontrol and ecotoxicology risk assessments, and predatory mite rearing and IPM consulting to enhance biological control strategies. Whether you’re a researcher, company, or grower, we’re here to help you make informed, science-driven decisions for a more resilient farming future.

English

Bridges for natural enemies: Helping beneficial arthropods move across crops

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“Bridging the Gap: How Tiny Allies Navigate Our Crops”

In the intricate world of biological control, movement matters. While releasing predatory mites like Phytoseiulus persimilis can help manage pests, their effectiveness depends on their ability to spread. But what happens when physical barriers, such as plant spacing, limit their movement? Research—and even ancient farming practices—suggests a simple yet powerful solution: bridges. By providing pathways made of plant structures, fibers, or even ropes, we can help these tiny allies travel across crops, enhancing their reach and impact. Understanding how beneficial arthropods move isn’t just science—it’s a way to reconnect with nature and reduce our reliance on external inputs.

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