Aphids

Aphids in Horticulture

Aphids are a major threat in ornamental production and can cause major problems. Some aphids can transmit toxins to ornamental cultivation and induce allergic reactions in the plants. There is also the risk of aphids transmitting specific viruses within the greenhouse environment. Given these problems, effective control of aphids is important in ornamental production. Royal Brinkman Canada offers a diverse range of specialized biological products, for effective and targeted aphid control in the context of professional greenhouse cultivation. 
 

Types of aphids 

Common aphid species in greenhouse crops are the cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii), buttercup aphid (Aulacorthum solani), potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) and green peach aphid (Myzus persicae). Each aphid species requires a different approach to biological control because they have different characteristics. Some aphids can introduce toxins into plants, causing allergic reactions, while other aphids can transmit viruses. It is therefore important to control aphids. 

Greenhouse aphid control  

Aphid control can be achieved by using beneficial insects, such as the parasitic wasp. Biological control against aphids is increasingly done with natural enemies, because the resistance against allowed insecticides increases.  

Aphid control in Canada 

Natural predators are essential in controlling aphids within greenhouse ornamental cultivation, with parasitic wasps being a widely employed solution. These wasps possess the ability to detect aphids in crops before they become visible, making them a highly effective preventive measure. Aphids, which are lacking defenses against these parasitic wasps, are vulnerable to their control. Royal Brinkman Canada offers a range of natural enemies tailored for aphid management in greenhouse ornamental cultivation, including: 

> Aphidius colemani (Aphiline): Used for aphid control, these wasps parasitize aphids by laying eggs within them. The resulting empty mummies may impact ornamental value in some crops but are inconsequential in ornamental crops. 
> Aphidius ervi (Erviline): Employed for aphid control, these wasps parasitize aphids by drilling a hole in them and laying eggs, leading to the emergence of new parasitic wasps. 
> Adalia Bipunctata (Adaline B): Is a predatory bug. Adaline B is recommended for treatment of aphid hot spots because of its ability to quickly reduce established aphid colonies. Both larvae and adults of Adalia will actively search the plants for the pests. 
> Aphelinus abdominalis (Apheline): Is a small wasp that stings and parasitizes young stages of aphids. It is a relatively long-lived species, so it is a good complement to the release of Aphiline and/or Erviline because it helps with longer-term control.
> Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Aphidoline): This predatory midge lays its eggs in aphid colonies and the predatory larvae then attack and feed on the aphid prey. The larvae of Aphidoletes aphidimyza feed on more than 60 different species of aphids.

Buy aphid control products in Canada 

Want to buy aphid control products in Canada? Then you've come to the right place at Royal Brinkman Canada. On royalbrinkman.ca you can order your required aphid control products quickly and easily. Do you have questions about the use of the aphid control products or how to control aphid in your greenhouse? Please contact one of our specialists.