Aphidus Ervi (Parasite)

Description

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These parasitic wasps are used to control large aphids, such as the potato aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae and the buttercup aphid Aulacorthum solani.

These wasps are black and about 4 to 5 mm in length. Females lay hundreds of eggs during the first 4 days of their adult life of 2 to 3 weeks. The parasitic wasps detect alarm signals from an affected plant and the smell of honeydew secreted by the host. This allows them to locate aphid hot spots from a long distance. They can parasitize hundreds of aphids upwards of 300. The parasitized aphid changes to a golden brown mummy.

Features:
HOST: Large aphid species such as Aulacorthum solani (foxglove or glasshouse potato aphid), Macrosiphum euphorbiae (potato aphid), and Acrythosiphum sp. (pea aphids).

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS: Temperature range 25C (77F). Temperatures above 30C or below 8C will reduce the ability of these parasites to work.

SHIPPED AS: Aphid mummies in vial.

RELEASE RATE: Release A. ervi preventively at 0.01/sq ft. (0.01/ sq m) In aphis hot spot use 1/sq ft (10/ sq m) for 3 weeks.

Aphidus Notes:
1. Storage and Hatch: Upon receiving mummies not yet emerged, store the bottle in a shaded location with high humidity at 64 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit until hatch begins (check twice daily). Allow up to 7 days for the hatch.
2. Release Timing: When mummies begin to emerge, release them at sundown on the same day for optimal effectiveness.
3. Release Method: Open the container in the crop and allow the wasps to fly out on their own. Concentrate the bulk of them at release points on or near the most heavily infested plants or where aphids are most likely to appear. The mummies may be sprinkled out.
4. Yellow Sticky Cards: It’s recommended to remove most yellow sticky cards before release.
5. Storage Duration: Do not store the emerged adult wasps in the bottle for more than 18 hours. It is best to use upon arrival.