Stop aphid infestations early with these aphid parasites! Use Aphidius colemani as a preventative or active control measure.
Aphidius colemani is a parasitic wasp native to North America useful for biological control of aphids in greenhouses and outdoor growing. These tiny (1/8" or 2-3 mm) aphid parasites seek out aphid colonies to provide food and a place to oviposit. Adult A. colemani respond to alarm signals from plants to locate the aphids where they feed on the honeydew aphids excrete. Parasitization occurs when females lay their eggs inside aphid nymphs. A. colemani eggs hatch into larvae which feed on the nymphs from the inside, the nymph swells and hardens into a leathery, grey or brown colored mummy similarly to effects of Aphelinus abdominalis. Once larvae mature, adult A. colemani wasps chew their way out of the aphid mummy and emerge to seek out aphids. These parasites are a good choice for year-round use (in greenhouses and outdoors) as the short days of winter do not affect them.
Preferred food: Honeydew, the sticky fluid produced by aphid infestations.
Optimum Conditions: 70°-77°F, 80% relative humidity
Release rates: 500-3,000 per acre, 2-3 times at one week intervals, depending on the extent of infestation.
Shipment and Biology: Aphidius colemani are shipped as parasitized aphid mummies from which adult A. colemani emerge. This parasite can be used year-round in greenhouses and outdoors as it is not affected by short-day lengths.
This Product Controls These Pests or Diseases: For use to control aphids, especially melon and cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii), but these wasps will also attack green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), tobacco aphid (Myzus nicotianae) and bird cherry-oat aphids (Rhopalosiphum padi).
For preventative use, simply hold the container horizontally and gently unscrew the cap whilst standing in the crop. Walk amongst the crop, allowing the emerged adults to fly out as you do so. Recap the bottle and store at greenhouse temperature until more adults have hatched. Repeat this process for 2-4 days until most of the adults have emerged from the mixture.
For corrective use, open the vials immediately next to identified aphid colonies to allow the adults to escape. Leave the vial with the remaining unhatched mummies at the base of the affected plant. You may also tie the vial to the plant so that it hangs amongst the leaves.
Do not empty the mummies out of the tube, as this reduces the humidity around them and results in poor emergence.
Vial Applications (Option 1): Open vial in greenhouse or growing area. Make introductions early in the day or in the afternoon. Walk around the area to be treated with the open vial at a 45° angle. Gently tap the open vial while walking through the crop to evenly distribute the adult parasites. Recap the vial and wait for more adults to hatch. Repeat distribution daily for 2-4 days. Place vial upright in crop for 3-4 days afterwards until all mummies have hatched.
Vial Applications (Option 2): Tie the vial so it hangs among the leaves and leave the vial in the greenhouse for 3-4 days. This allows remaining parasites to escape as they emerge from mummies. Repeat the distribution of adults daily for 2-4 days until most adults have emerged. Finish by placing the open vial next to the crop in case more hatch.
Blister Pack: Separate individual blister packs. Lift flap up to open blister pack. Hang in plant canopy. Distribute evenly in area for preventative use. Concentrate in areas with higher infestations.
Environment: Greenhouse, Outdoors, Crops, Orchards & Vineyards, Nursery, Grow Room, Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Pond & Environment, Interiorscapes, Container Plants
Storage: Use within 18 hours of receipt. Keep in darkness between 42° and 46° if not releasing immediately.
Viability Note: If you plan to check for viability, please do so upon receipt and prior to releasing the beneficial insects. Many predators and parasites are small and can be difficult to spot once released. If you believe there are issues with viability, please contact us at 1-800-827-2847 or customercare@arbico.com.
When Will My Order Ship?
- Ships via Overnight shipping methods only. This does not take processing time into account. Overnight Shipping refers to the time frame for delivery after the shipment date.
- Orders ship on Tuesdays only.
- Order by Wednesday for shipment the following Tuesday. 7-day minimum processing time prior to shipment.
- For any questions about shipping restrictions, please call us at 1-800-827-2847.
Cannot Be Shipped To: HI,PR,VI,GU,AS,PW
Shipping Restrictions: Overnight
What's In The Package: Aphidius colemani are shipped as parasitized aphid mummies from which adult A. colemani will emerge. This parasite can be used year-round in greenhouses and outdoors as it is not affected by short-day lengths.
Shelf Life: Use within 18 hours of receipt.
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