Aphiline biological control agent contains the Braconid wasp, Aphidius colemani. This wasp stings and parasitizes smaller aphid species, such as the melon or cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii), peach aphid (Myzus persicae) and tobacco aphid (Myzus nicotianae).
Key Features
>> Prevents aphid populations from developing and reduces moderate populations to non-damaging levels.
>> Adults begin to emerge in transit, ready for immediate release.
>> Not light sensitive – no diapause stage.
>> Ventilation and food source available in packaging ensures adult survival in transit and storage.
>> Suitable for all greenhouse crops.
Main uses
>> Aphids
How It Works
>> The female wasp lays an egg within the aphid. The egg hatches within 2-3 days and the wasp larvae feeds on the aphid leaving a parasitized mummy on the plant.
>> The colemani life cycle takes 10 days at 25°C / 77°F or 14 days at 21°C / 70°F.
>> For preventive control, releases should be made weekly during periods when aphids are most likely to be found in the crop (usually in the spring or early summer).
>> Where aphid colonies are already present, Aphiline can be used curatively at a higher rate, generally by releasing the parasites immediately adjacent to colonies.
>> If no previous releases of Aphidius colemani have been made, aphid populations can grow rapidly and supplemental control methods may be needed.
>> Continue using Aphiline preventively so aphid populations do not become a recurring problem.
