Aphids

Aphids in Horticulture

Aphids are a major challenge in a variety of crop sand can cause significant problems. Some aphids can transfer toxins to vegetables and cause allergic reactions in the plants. There is also a risk of aphids transmitting specific viruses within the greenhouse environment. Given these problems, effective control of aphids is paramount in vegetable production. To combat this, Royal Brinkman Canada offers a wide range of specialized biological products. These products are designed to provide effective and targeted aphid control in professional greenhouse horticulture. 

Types of aphids  

Common aphid species in greenhouse crops include 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 of their unique characteristics. Some aphids can introduce toxins into plants, causing allergic reactions, while others can transmit viruses, underscoring the importance of aphid control. 

Organic aphid control in greenhouse 

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

Aphid Control with natural enemies 

Various natural enemies play a crucial role in controlling aphids, and among them, parasitic wasps are commonly employed. These wasps possess the ability to detect aphids in crops even before they become visible to the naked eye, making them highly effective as a preventive measure. Aphids, lacking defenses against these parasitic wasps, are vulnerable to their control. Royal Brinkman Canada offers a range of natural enemies to combat aphids, 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 vegetable 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. 
> Chrysoperla carnea (CHRYSOcontrol): The larvae of lacewings are voracious predators, making them effective fighters against aphids. 
> Aphidoletes aphidimyza (APHIDOcontrol): Used for both preventive and curative aphid control, these natural enemies are effective in managing aphid populations. 

Benefits of biological control of aphids 

Biological control of aphids offers multiple advantages: 

✔️ Efficient searching behavior: Natural enemies effectively locate aphids, even in challenging areas and under low pest pressure. 
✔️  Greedy appetite: Biological control agents, especially larvae, often eliminate more aphids than are needed to feed themselves. 
✔️  Preventive use (certain species): Some species can be used preventively, maintaining low pest pressure by having the pest controller already present in the greenhouse. 
✔️  Impact on other pests: Some biological controls can target multiple pests, not just aphids. 
✔️  No chemical residue: The use of biological control methods ensures that there are no chemical residues on the plant. 

Buy aphid control products  

Looking to buy aphid control products? In our online store you can quickly and easily order the aphid control products you need. Do you have any questions about the use of organic aphid control products or how to control aphids in your greenhouse? Please contact one of our crop protection specialists.