LIVE DELIVERY GUARANTEE
TARGET PESTS:
Over 200 species of aphids. Targets larger-bodied aphid species such as the Potato Aphid, Foxglove/Glasshouse Aphid, and the Green Peach Aphid.
ABOUT APHELINUS ABDOMINALIS:
Aphelinus abdominalis, a natural aphid predator, is about 3mm long with short legs, short antennae, and a yellow abdomen. This beneficial insect is best suited for preventing outbreaks of aphids during the early risk period. It may be used at higher rates in conjunction with other beneficial insects, such as Aphidius colemani and Aphidius ervi, to bring moderate infestations under control.
A female can lay up to 250 eggs in a 3 week cycle. The female insect will lay an egg directly into the aphid body where it hatches and the larvae consumes the aphid from within. When the parasite larva is fully grown, the host hardens into a leathery black colored mummy. The aphid turns black 7 days after parasitism. The mummy then takes an additional 14 days to develop into an adult, when it emerges through a hole at the rear of the mummy. The first mummies should be seen in your crops in a minimum of 14 days after the first release.
PRODUCT INFORMATION:
Minimum of 250 viable adults per unit. A food source is provided to ensure that emerged adults arrive in the best possible condition. Aphelinus tend to walk over crops rather than fly, so it remains on the crop and does not readily leave the greenhouse.
SUITABLE CROPS:
Indoors and outdoors on a wide range of plants in greenhouses, vegetable crops, ornamental crops, soft fruits, tree nurseries, horticulture landscapes, and various other types of crops.
RELEASE RATES:
LIGHT INFESTATION: 80 insects per 40 sq. ft. of canopy with two weekly introductions into infested areas.
HEAVY INFESTATION: 160 wasps per 40 sq. ft. of canopy with two weekly introductions into infested areas.
Sprinkle contents onto infested plant leaves or into Hanging Release Boxes and hang on affected plant. Do not place contents directly onto soil or substrate. Ensure the product contents remain dry. Leave in place for 3-5 days to allow all insects to be released.
It's important to note that these release rates serve as general guidelines and may vary based on the specific pest species, the crop or plant being treated, and level of infestation. Proper monitoring of the infestation and the subsequent effectiveness of the released beneficial insect population is crucial for determining the success of the biological control strategy.
Pesticides and even wetting agents and spreader-stickers may adversely affect A. abdominalis survival. Broad spectrum and systemic insecticides are toxic to these wasps.
