Aphidius colemani
Aphidius colemani is used for biological control of aphids.
Aphidius colemani is a parasitoid insect belonging to the Braconidae family. Aphidius colemani can parasitize aphid species including the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) and the cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii). The wasp parasitizes the aphids in the crop. The female wasp lays an egg within the aphid and parasitized aphid became a brown “mummy” when the parasitoid larva develops feeding from its internal parts. Aphidius female can parasitize over 300 aphids in her lifetime.
Packaging
Bottle with mummies from which 500 adults will emerge.
Recommended dose
When the pest density is low, release 0.25 ind/m²
When the pest density is high, release 2 ind/m²
Crops
It can be used in protected crops pepper, eggplant, cucumber etc. and also open field crops fruit and ornamentals.
Use
Before opening the bottle, set it horizontally and rotate it to mix the content. Sprinkle the parasitoid on the leaf or in release boxes. These boxes are hung on the plant. When aphids are first noticed in a crop Aphidius should be released.
It is recommended to release parasitoid into crops either early in the morning or early evening.
Handling and Storage
Keep the bottle horizontally and at a temperature of 8-10ºC.
After the bottle is received, it should be released as soon as possible.
Parasitoid may be stored for one day. Bottles should be laid on their side.
The cold chain should be in all the transport and storage process.
Keep out of direct sunlight.