Four species of parasitic wasps for aphid control

Application Rates

1-25 Aphidius/100 sq. ft. Use low rates for prevention, higher rates for hot spots. Start with two releases one week apart to establish overlapping generations of Aphidius. 

400 - 2,000 Aphidius/acre weekly (1,000/ha) 2-3 times, one week apart.

Description

Aphidius species are a group of native parasitic wasps that attack aphids in greenhouses and outdoor crops. These natural enemies are tiny, dark colored, non-stinging wasps, up to 1/8 inch (2-3 mm) long. Females parasitize aphids which eventually die, becoming 'aphid mummies'.  Aphidius is an outstanding searcher, and can locate new aphid colonies even when aphid populations are low. 

Aphidius Mix contains the species colemani, ervi, matricariae and Aphelinus abdominalis. There are approximately 750 wasps/bottle. 

These biocontrol agents are most effective when aphid populations are low. Parasites can be introduced at low rates before aphids are detected in greenhouses or when aphids are likely to move onto crops outdoors. When aphids have been detected in a crop, higher release rates should be used over a period of at least 3 weeks.

Optimum conditions are daytime temperatures of 64-77 ºF and relative humidity 60-80%. Aphidius is not affected by short-day induced diapause, so it can be used year round in IPM programs.

Life Cycle

A complete life cycle for this beneficial insect takes 2 weeks at 70ºF. Each female lays about 100 eggs in aphids but may attack 200 to 300 aphids in the process. The larvae pupate inside the aphid’s body, which become a rigid, leathery, golden brown mummy. Adults emerge from the mummies by cutting an exit hole in the top. The empty mummy remains on the leaf surface.

Instructions for Use

• Use with Aphidoletes and lacewing larvae for heavy aphid pressure
• Stop using in late summer due to hyperparasites which attack Aphidius
• Remove sticky cards prior to release
• Open bottle and gently tap out contents onto plants. Leave open bottle in crops until all Aphidius have exited. 
• In gardens, wash high populations of aphids from plants with a strong water spray before introducing the aphid parasite.
• If necessary, parasitized aphid mummies may be held at 39-50 ºF for up to 3 days. 
• Targets a variety of aphids including Cotton Melon aphid (Aphis gossypii), Green Peach aphid (Myzus persicae), Potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) and Foxglove aphid (Aulacorthum Solani). 

Shipping Information

Orders for Aphidius Mix need to be received by noon on Wednesday, for shipment the following week.  If the deadline is past, please call us and we will help you find a solution ASAP. (360) 656-6680

FOR YOUR FILES: Aphidius Tech Sheet

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Learn about release instructions for beneficial insects.