Aphidius ervi will consume all types of larger aphids, especially the potato aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae and the glasshouse potato aphid Aulacorthum solani. It also parasitizes Myzus persicae var. nicotianae, as well as aphids such as Sitobion sp., Schizaphis sp., Rhodobium sp., Acyrthosiphum sp. and others. Use the Aphidius ervi especially when aphid infestations are just beginning.

Shipment, biology and release: Aphidius ervi are shipped in a 125 ml bottle that contains sufficient mummies for the emergence of approximately 250 adult aphid parasites. The bottle has a ventilated cap for optimum humidity. Adults begin to emerge in transit ready for action; a sugar-water feeder ring ensures adult survival. Release the emerged adults within 18 hours of receipt.  Adult Aphidius ervi are 4-5 mm long, and black. Adult parasites emerge through a round hole at the rear of the mummy. Female adult parasitic wasps parasitize the aphid. As a result, the aphid swells and hardens into a leathery, grey or brown colored mummy. The first mummies can be seen in the crop approximately 2 weeks after the first introduction.

Release rates: Use at the rate of 1 adult / 20-100 sq ft for preventative use. One 125 ml bottle is sufficient for 5000-25,000 sq ft. Dose rate may be increased 5-fold for hot spots. We recommend that you introduce A. ervi weekly for at least 3 weeks. Monitor weekly for the brown mummified aphids. When 80% of the aphids are parasitized, a parasite/prey balance has been achieved and no further introductions are needed. Augment with further introductions as required since migration from outside may occur in warmer months. When pruning leaves, check for parasitized aphids (brown mummies). If mummies are present, keep these leaves in the greenhouse until new parasites emerge.

Greenhouse Release: Open container in the greenhouse. Walk around the area to be treated, holding the open bottle at a 45° angle, releasing the emerged adults into the air. Distribute the adults evenly over the area. Recap the bottle and store at greenhouse temperature until more adults have hatched. Repeat the distribution of adults daily for 2-4 days until most adults have emerged from the bottle. Finish by placing the open bottle in the greenhouse next to a plant in case more emerge. Protect Aphidius ervi from ants.

Field Release: Any emerged adults should be released near known infestations in the morning or evening, not in direct sunlight. Sprinkle mummies into a thin layer in release boxes that are shaded from direct sunlight. Leave for a week to allow the Aphidius ervi to emerge and find aphids. Activity of parasites is reduced at temperatures above 86° F. Protect Aphidius ervi from ants.

OVERNIGHT SHIPPING INCLUDED

Orders received by Wednesday will ship the following Monday or Tuesday..