Aphelinus abdominalis Aphid Parasite - 250 Mummies

The main aphids that Aphelinus abdominalis attack in the greenhouse are the potato aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae, the glasshouse potato aphid Aulacorthum solani and foxglove aphid, Aulacorthum solani, although it will eat any type present. The main advantage of using Aphelinus is that the adult female keeps on parasitizing for several weeks and that Aphelinus also feeds on aphids. Aphelinus is recommended for several greenhouse crops including sweet pepper, tomato, eggplant, bean, gerbera, rose and chrysanthemum.

Shipment and Biology: the Aphelinus are shipped in a 30 ml plastic vial that contains sufficient mummies for the emergence of approximately 250 adult parasitic wasps. A ventilated cap and sugar-water feeder ring ensure adult survival in the vial. Release emerged wasps within 18 hours. The tiny wasp is 3mm (1/8") long and lives for about 60 days. The female has a black thorax and a yellow abdomen. Males are somewhat smaller and have a darker abdomen. The female parasitizes 5-15 aphids/day. The adults also feed on aphids and honeydew. The female Aphelinus parasitizes the aphid, laying up to 1000 eggs after 3-4 days, and continuing for around 56 days. The parasitized aphid hardens into a leathery black colored mummy. The eggs hatch in 2-3 days, and the larvae grow and eat inside the aphid for 3-4 days.  The first mummies can be seen in the crop approximately 2 weeks after the first introduction. Normally around 250 offspring/female after 3 weeks from the first application can be expected as a normal life cycle increase.

Instructions for Use: Use at the rate of 1 emerged adult per 20-50 sq ft each week for preventative use. One 30 ml vial is sufficient for 4,500-11,250 sq ft. Dose rate may be increased 5-fold for hot spots. Open 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, gently tapping the vial to distribute the adult parasites. Distribute the adults evenly over the area. Recap the tube and store at greenhouse temperature until more adults have emerged. Repeat the distribution of adults daily for 2-4 days until most adults have emerged from the bottle. Finish by placing the open tube in the greenhouse horizontally next to a plant in case more emerge.

For a corrective release, open the bottle or vial immediately adjacent to the aphid outbreak and rest it at the base of the affected plant. Repeat this as necessary.

OVERNIGHT SHIPPING INCLUDED
• Orders received by Tuesday Noon MST will ship the following Tuesday.