Organic aphid control in greenhouses 

Written by Jan-Paul de Wit | Last update: 26. June 2023
 

Aphids are a serious challenge in horticulture. They damage plants by injecting toxins and spreading viruses. Many growers ask us questions like ''How to control aphids on tomato plants?'' or ''How to control aphids on pepper plants?''. To fight aphids most effectively, consider switching to organic aphid control methods. Using natural enemies of aphids offers an environmentally friendly and efficient alternative for greenhouse aphid control, especially as the effectiveness of chemical pesticides has decreased due to resistance and changes in regulations. 

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Signs of aphid infestation

Aphids, are usually found on the young parts of plants, such as new shoots, both on the upper and underside of leaves, and in flower heads. The presence of aphids is often indicated by their distinctive white shed skins, which can be seen scattered around these areas. These pests can damage plants in various manners:

  • Honeydew secretion: Aphids secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which provides a breeding ground for sooty mold. This mold not only contaminates the plant's surface but also impairs its ability to photosynthesize.
  • Moisture extraction: By sucking cellular fluids from the plant, aphids weaken the plant's overall health and vitality.
  • Deformation of new growth: The young parts of the plant often deform because aphids extract essential nutrients, leading to stunted growth and development.
  • Leaf curling and discolouration: Infested leaves may curl and develop yellow spots as a result of the aphid feeding, further impacting the plant's health.

 

Recognizing these signs early is crucial for managing aphid infestations, optimizing greenhouse aphid control and protecting your crops effectively.

 

Overview of aphid species

In greenhouse environments, different aphid species can lead to various types of damage. Understanding these common aphid species and their specific effects on crops is important for effective greenhouse aphid control.

foxglove aphid

Foxglove aphid (Aulacorthum solani)

 

Mottled arum aphid

Mottled arum aphid (Neomyzus circumflexus)

greenpeach aphid

Green peach aphid (Myzus persicae)

cotton aphid

Cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii)

black bean aphid

Black bean aphid (Aphis fabae)

rose aphid

Rose aphid (Macrosiphum rosae)

leaf curling plum aphid

Leaf-curling plum aphid (Brachycaudus helichrysi)

potato aphid

Potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae)

Effective aphid biocontrol strategies 

Aphids can multiply rapidly, leading to significant damage in a very short time. Early detection is important for effective greenhouse aphid control, as it allows for swift intervention. Look for the striking white skin sheaths they leave behind to identify their presence early.

Due to increased legislation regarding chemical insecticides, many growers are turning to biological control methods. Utilizing natural predators has become a popular and effective approach to managing aphid infestations. Our experts are available to guide the best natural pest control solution for your specific needs.

 

Ways to biologically control aphids

By combining several biological agents you can tackle various aphid species more effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the primary natural enemies used in aphid management:

  • Parasitic wasps and parasitic wasp mixes
    • Aphidius colemani (APHIcontrol) targets smaller aphid species like the cotton aphid, red aphid, and green peach aphid.
    • Aphidius ervi (ERVIcontrol) is effective against larger aphids such as the potato aphid and glasshouse potato aphid.
    • Parasitic wasp mixes. These are crop-specific compositions consisting of two or more species of parasitic wasps. With a parasitic wasp mix you control a broad spectrum of aphid species at once.
  • Gall midges
    • Aphidoletes aphidimyza (APHIDOcontrol) is a versatile gall midge that preys on various aphid species. The larvae are known for their aggressive feeding behaviour, and the adults excel at locating aphid hotspots to lay eggs.
  • Lacewings
    • Chrysoperla carnea (CHRYSOcontrol) is particularly effective against high infestations of aphids. The larvae are highly predatory and also target whitefly, spider mites, thrips, butterfly eggs, and mealybug larvae.
  • Hoverflies
    • Episyrphus balteatus larvae are highly effective and can be used in cooler temperatures.
    • Sphaerophoria rueppellii larvae consume up to 200 aphids per cycle and thrive in temperatures ranging from 25 to 35°C. Both species also feed on other pests such as thrips and spider mites.
  • Predatory beetles
    • Adalia bipunctata (ADALIAcontrol) and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri are known for their voracious larvae, making them ideal for managing aphid hot spots.

 

Advantages of organic aphid control

Why choose biological aphid control? Here are the key advantages:

  • Exceptional search efficiency: Natural predators are adept at locating aphids, even in low pest conditions or hard-to-reach areas that pesticides might miss.
  • Highly voracious: Many biological control agents, especially larvae, are incredibly hungry and often eliminate more aphids than they actually consume.
  • Chemical-free: Unlike chemical treatments, biological control leaves no residues on plants, ensuring safer produce.
  • Effective preventive use: Certain species can be used proactively, keeping aphid populations in check by ensuring the pest controllers are already active in the greenhouse.
  • Additional pest control benefits: Some biological agents also target other pests, providing broader protection.

 

Green agents 

Incorporate green agents of natural origin alongside your natural enemies and corrective measures. These eco-friendly solutions effectively help manage aphid infestations and can be seamlessly combined with organic aphid control methods.

 

Explore our videos

Discover more about the various aphid species and greenhouse aphid control methods in these videos.

 


 

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