pests
Aphids
Aphids
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The population growth of aphids can be very fast, leading to great damage in several crops. It is therefore very important to locate the aphids and take necessary measures. Biobest offers a whole series of parasitoids and predators against aphids.
Biology
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1. The cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii)
The cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii) is a 0.9-1.8 mm small, round aphid with typical black spiracles. The colour varies from light yellow to dark-green, or sometimes almost black. It has a short cauda, no head front knobs, and antennae shorter than the body.
The cotton aphid originates from warmer regions where it is a pest on cotton and Cucurbitaceae. Thanks to the warm climate in greenhouses it can also survive northern winters. The cotton aphid is mainly a pest on greenhouse vegetables such as cucumber and melon, and on ornamentals such as chrysanthemum and hibiscus. Greenhouse strains do not change their host plant. After hibernation in the greenhouse this aphid can become a pest early in spring.
More than other aphid species, populations of cotton aphids can grow very fast. There exist several strains of cotton aphids, each with a specific preference for a certain host and resistance against pesticides.
The cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii) is a 0.9-1.8 mm small, round aphid with typical black spiracles. The colour varies from light yellow to dark-green, or sometimes almost black. It has a short cauda, no head front knobs, and antennae shorter than the body.
The cotton aphid originates from warmer regions where it is a pest on cotton and Cucurbitaceae. Thanks to the warm climate in greenhouses it can also survive northern winters. The cotton aphid is mainly a pest on greenhouse vegetables such as cucumber and melon, and on ornamentals such as chrysanthemum and hibiscus. Greenhouse strains do not change their host plant. After hibernation in the greenhouse this aphid can become a pest early in spring.
More than other aphid species, populations of cotton aphids can grow very fast. There exist several strains of cotton aphids, each with a specific preference for a certain host and resistance against pesticides.
2. The green peach aphid (Myzus persicae)
The green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) is a 1.2-2.6 mm small, oval aphid with conspicuous head front. The colour varies from pale yellow-green to green, and is sometimes red. Spiracles are medium long and the antennae reach till the spiracles. In temperate regions, the green peach aphid usually hibernates as an egg on its winter host (peach, prune or other relatives). After a few generations on its winter host during early spring, it moves back to its summer host.
The aphid may also hibernate in the greenhouse. In this case acquired resistance is better preserved. The green peach aphid can be a pest on greenhouse vegetables (such as sweet pepper, tomato, cucumber, lettuce, eggplant, ...), on ornamentals (such as chrysanthemum, pelargonium, ...) and on open field crops (such as potato, beet, cabbage, tobacco, spinach, ...). The green peach aphid can transmit over 100 virus species.
The green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) is a 1.2-2.6 mm small, oval aphid with conspicuous head front. The colour varies from pale yellow-green to green, and is sometimes red. Spiracles are medium long and the antennae reach till the spiracles. In temperate regions, the green peach aphid usually hibernates as an egg on its winter host (peach, prune or other relatives). After a few generations on its winter host during early spring, it moves back to its summer host.
The aphid may also hibernate in the greenhouse. In this case acquired resistance is better preserved. The green peach aphid can be a pest on greenhouse vegetables (such as sweet pepper, tomato, cucumber, lettuce, eggplant, ...), on ornamentals (such as chrysanthemum, pelargonium, ...) and on open field crops (such as potato, beet, cabbage, tobacco, spinach, ...). The green peach aphid can transmit over 100 virus species.
3. The tobacco peach aphid (Myzus nicotianae)
The tobacco peach aphid (Myzus nicotianae) looks very similar to the green peach aphid. Only some microscopic features distinguish both species. Similar to the green peach aphid, the tobacco peach aphid affects several crops, of which tobacco is preferred. The "red aphid" that has shown up in sweet pepper and eggplant plantations since a few years, appears to be a red form of the tobacco peach aphid. This red aphid is mainly alarming because of its resistance to a lot of pesticides, which emphasizes again the importance of efficient biological control.
The tobacco peach aphid (Myzus nicotianae) looks very similar to the green peach aphid. Only some microscopic features distinguish both species. Similar to the green peach aphid, the tobacco peach aphid affects several crops, of which tobacco is preferred. The "red aphid" that has shown up in sweet pepper and eggplant plantations since a few years, appears to be a red form of the tobacco peach aphid. This red aphid is mainly alarming because of its resistance to a lot of pesticides, which emphasizes again the importance of efficient biological control.
4. The potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae)
The potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) is a 2-4 mm tall, elongated aphid with relatively long legs. The antennae are longer than the body. The eyes are conspicuously red. The cauda (tail) is relatively long, and the siphunculi are long with a dark tip. The potato aphid is usually green, but sometimes yellowish or pink. The larvae have a dark longitudinal line on the back. The mobility is also typical. Moreover, the aphid easily lets itself fall.
Although this aphid hibernates in North-America usually on roses, in Europe it passes the winter usually in the greenhouse. The potato aphid has more than 200 host plants such as tomato, eggplant, sweet pepper, chrysanthemum, rose, pelargonium, tobacoo and potato. It is often found on stalks or younger parts of a plant, which causes crimped tips that look like virus infestations.
Although this aphid hibernates in North-America usually on roses, in Europe it passes the winter usually in the greenhouse. The potato aphid has more than 200 host plants such as tomato, eggplant, sweet pepper, chrysanthemum, rose, pelargonium, tobacoo and potato. It is often found on stalks or younger parts of a plant, which causes crimped tips that look like virus infestations.
5. The glasshouse potato aphid (Aulacorthum solani)
The glasshouse potato aphid (Aulacorthum solani) is a middle-sized, round-oval aphid 1.8-3 mm long. Characteristic are the dark bands on the antennae, which are longer than the body. The cauda and spiracles are medium-long. Around the base of the spiracles dark green patches can be seen. This aphid usually has a glossy yellowish green colour, but this can vary from white-yellowish green to browny green.
The glasshouse potato aphid has no sexual phase, thus always reproduces viviparously on several host plant species. In the open field, potato and several bulb crops are attacked. In the greenhouse the main hosts are sweet pepper, chrysanthemum, tomato, eggplant, lettuce and bean.
The glasshouse potato aphid (Aulacorthum solani) is a middle-sized, round-oval aphid 1.8-3 mm long. Characteristic are the dark bands on the antennae, which are longer than the body. The cauda and spiracles are medium-long. Around the base of the spiracles dark green patches can be seen. This aphid usually has a glossy yellowish green colour, but this can vary from white-yellowish green to browny green.
The glasshouse potato aphid has no sexual phase, thus always reproduces viviparously on several host plant species. In the open field, potato and several bulb crops are attacked. In the greenhouse the main hosts are sweet pepper, chrysanthemum, tomato, eggplant, lettuce and bean.
Damage
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Aphids can cause damage to crops in several ways:
- They extract nutrients from the plant, which affects plant growth. Infestations on young leaves may give deformations later on.
- The excess of sugar they absorb is secreted as honeydew, on which sooty moulds can grow that foul the plant.
- They can transmit viruses.
- They can bring toxic substances in the plant.
Crop: Strawberry
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- Introduce Aphidius ervi as Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Potato aphid) or Aulacorthum solani (Glasshouse potato aphid) occur.
- Introduce 2 Aphidius/m² in and around hot spots.
- Introduce 50-100 Adalia-larvae/m² in the immediate neighbourhood of aphid hot spots, as an addition to Aphidius and Aphidoletes.
- Introduce Aphelinus abdominalis as Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Potato aphid) or Aulacorthum solani (Glasshouse potato aphid) occur.
- Introduce 2 Aphelinus/m² in and around hot spots.
- Preventive: Introduce 0,1 Aphidius colemani/m² per week
- Curative : After detection of aphid: introduce minimum 0,5 Aphidius colemani/m² per week, during 3 weeks; until a sufficient number is parasitized.
- Disperse Aphidius in Bio-Boxes (± 25 boxes).
- Preventive: Introduce 0,1-0,2 Aphidoletes/m²/week
- Curative: When aphids are detected in the crop, introduce 0,5-1 Aphidoletes/m²/week
- Open the bottle and place this bottle under the aphid hot spot, or disperse Aphidoletes, in heaps, on a moist substrate.
- Remark: The gall midges have an excellent ability to search, but they can become disorientated by frequent use of a sulphur steamer.
Crop: Cherry tomato
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- Preventive: Introduce weekly 0,05 to 0,1 Aphidius ervi/m².
- Curative: Introduce 0,5 Aphidius ervi/m²/week in hot spots.
- Introduce the parasitic wasps under the crop, preferably in the neighbourhood of aphid hot spots.
- If an infestation is detected over the whole greenhouse, adjust if necessary after consultation with your advisor.
- Introduce Aphidoletes as soon as aphids are detected.
- Introduce 0,5-1 Aphidoletes/m²/week.
- In and around aphid hot spots: 5-10 Aphidoletes/m² per introduction.
- Open the bottle and put it under the aphid hot spot, or disperse Aphidoletes, in heaps, on a moist substrate or in a bucket with moist sand.
- Remark: The gall midges have an excellent ability to search, but they can become disorientated by frequent use of a sulphur steamer.
Crop: Chrysant
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- Introduce Aphidius ervi if Potato aphid or Glasshouse potato aphid are occuring.
- Introduce 2 Aphidius ervi/m² in and around hot spots.
- Introduce the parasitic wasps at the bottom of the plants, preferably in the neighbourhood of aphid hot spots.
- Preventive: Introduce 0,1 Aphidius colemani/m² weekly.
- Curative: introduce 0,5 Aphidius colemani/m²/week during 3 weeks and until a sufficient number is parasitized .
- Do not throw away heavy infested flowers, because Aphidius can multiply on them.
- Preventive: Introduce 2 x 500 Aphidius-Mix-System/m² weekly.
- As soon as aphids are detected, add Aphidoletes.
- Preventive: Introduce 2 x 500 Aphidius-Mix-System/m² weekly.
- As soon as aphids are detected, add Aphidoletes.
Crop: Cucumber
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- When the first aphids are detected in the crop, introduce 0,1-0,25 Aphidius ervi/m²/week until an equilibrium is reached.
- Introduce the parasitic wasps at the bottem of the plant, preferably in the neighbourhood of aphid hot spots.
- Introduce Adalia-larvae purposefully in the immediate neighbourhood of aphid hot spots.
- The quantity that has to be introduced strongly depends on the infestations pressure and the area of the crop. In an aphid population which is spread over a few plants, it is recommended to introduce 200 to 300 larvae. Control daily and repaet if necessary.
- Remark: Introduce the larvae as soon as possible. If necessary, the material can be stored for a short time at ± 6°C.
- Preventive: Introduce minimum 0,15 Aphidius colemani/m² per week.
- Curative: As soon as aphids are detected: introduce minimum 0,5 Aphidius colemani/m² per week, until an equilibrium is reached.
- When there is enough parasitizing: introduce minimum 0,15 Aphidius colemani/m² per week to maintain the balance.
- Remark: When hyperparasitizing occurs, Aphidius colemani can be replaced by Aphidoletes aphidimyza.
- Preventive: Introduce 0,1-0,2 Aphidoletes/m²/week
- Curative: When aphids are detected in the crop, introduce 0,5-1 Aphidoletes/m²/week
- Open the bottle and put it under the aphid hot spot, or disperse Aphidoletes, in heaps, on a moist substrate.
- Remark: The gall midges have an excellent ability to search, but they can become disorientated through frequent use of a sulphur steamer.
Crop: Eggplant
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- When the first aphids are detected in the crop, introduce 0,1-0,25 Aphidius ervi/m²/week until an equilibrium is reached.
- Introduce the parasitic wasps at the bottom of the plant, preferably in the neighboorhood of aphid hot spots.
- Introduce Adalia-larvae purposefully in the immediate neighbourhood of aphid hot spots.
- Remark: Introduce the larvae as soon as possible. If necessary, the material can be stored for a short time at ± 6°C.
- Preventive: Introduce minimum 0,15 Aphidius colemani/m² per week
- Curative: As soon as aphids are detected: Introduce minimum 0,5 Aphidius colemani/m² per week, until an equilibrium is reached.
- When there is enough parasitization: Introduce minimum 0,15 Aphidius colemani/m² per week to maintain the balance.
- Remark:
- Start with the first introduction at the first bloom.
- When hyperparasitizing occurs, Aphidius colemani can be replaced by Aphidoletes aphidimyza.
- Preventive: Introduce 0,1-0,2 Aphidoletes/m²/week
- Curative: When aphids are detected in the crop, introduce 0,5-1 Aphidoletes/m²/week
- Open the bottle and put it under the aphid hot spot, or disperse Aphidoletes, in heaps, on a moist substrate.
- Remark: The gall midges have an excellent ability to search, but they can become disorientated by frequent use of sulphur steamer.
Crop: Gerbera
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- Introduce Aphidius ervi when the Potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) or the glasshouse potato aphid (Alacorthum solani) occurs.
- Introduce 2 Aphidius/m² in and around the hot spots.
- Introduce 50-100 Adalia-larvae/m² efficiently in the immediate neighbourhood of aphid hot spots, as a supplement on Aphidius and Aphidoletes.
- Introduce Aphelinus abdominalis when the potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) or the glasshouse potato aphid (Aulacorthum solani) occurs.
- Introduce 2 Aphelinus/m² in and around hot spots.
- Preventive: Introduce 0,1 Aphidius colemani/m² per week
- Curative: As soon as aphids are detected: introduce minimum 0,5 Aphidius colemani/m² per week, during 3 weeks, until there is enough parasitizing.
- Disperse Aphidius in bioboxes (± 25 boxes/ha)
- Preventive: Introduce 0,1-0,2 Aphidoletes/m²/week.
- Curative: When aphids are detected in the crop, introduce 0,5-1 Aphidoletes/m²/week
- Open the bottle and put it under the aphid hot spot, or disperse Aphidoletes, in heaps, on a moist substrate.
- Remark: The gall midges have an excellent ability to search, but they can become disorientated by frequent use of a sulphur steamer.
Crop: Haricot bean
More info
- When the first aphids are detected in the crop, introduce 0,1-0,25 Aphidius ervi/m²/week until an equilibrium is reached.
- Introduce the parasitic wasps at the bottom of the plant, preferably in the neighbourhood of aphid hot spots.
- Introduce 50-100 Adalia-larvae/m² in the immediate nieiighbourhood of aphid hot spots, to support Aphidius and Aphidoletes.
- Preventive: Introduce minimum 0,15 Aphidius colemani/m² per week.
- Curative: As soon as aphids are detected: introduce minimum 0,5 Aphidius colemani/m² per week, until an equilibrium is reached.
- When there is enough parasitization: introduce minimum 0,15 Aphidius colemani/m² per week to maintain the balance.
- Remark:
- Start with the first introduction, not later than the first bloom.
- When hyperparasitizing occurs, Aphidius colemani can be replaced by Aphidoletes aphidimyza.
- Preventive: Introduce 0,1-0,2 Aphidoletes/m²/week
- Curative: When aphids are detected in the crop, introduce 0,5-1 Aphidoletes/m²/week.
- Open the bottle and put it under the aphid hot spot, or disperse Aphidoletes, in heaps, on a moist substrate.
- Remark: The gall midges have an excellent ability to search, but theu van become disorientated by frequent use of a sulphur steamer.
Crop: Melon
More info
- Introduce Aphidius ervi if Macrosiphum euphorbiae (potato aphid) or Aulacorthum solani (Glasshouse potato aphid) are occuring.
- Introduce 2 Aphidius/m² in and around hot spots.
- Introduce 50-100 Adalia-larvae/m² in the immediate neighbourhood of aphid hot spots, to support Aphidius and Aphidoletes.
- Introduce Aphelinus abdominalis if Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Potato apphid) or Aulacorthum solani (Glasshouse potato aphid) are occuring.
- Introduce 2 Aphelinus/m² in and around the hot spots.
- Preventive: Introduce 0,15 Aphidius colemani/m² per week.
- Curative: As soon as aphids are detected: introduce minimum 0,5 Aphidius colemani/m² per week, until an equilibrium is reached.
- When there is enough parasitization: introduce minimum 0,15 Aphidius colemani/m² per week to maintain the balance.
- Disperse Aphidius in bioboxes (± 25 boxes/ha).
- Preventive: Introduce 0,1 Aphidoletes/m²/week.
- Curative: When aphids are detected in the crop, introduce 0,5-1 Aphidoletes/m²/week.
- Open the bottle and put it under the aphid hot spot, or disperse Aphidoletes, in heaps, on a moist substrate.
- Remark: The gall midges have an excellent ability to search, but they can become disorientated by frequent use of a sulphur steamer.
Crop: Public gardens
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- The jute sachets with larvae of Adalia bipunctata are suspended in trees, shrubs or bruches. The number of sachets needed will depend on factors such as severity of pest infestations, density of the crown or brush, trunk circumstance, etc.
- Introduce 50 to 100 Adalia larvae per m² in hot spots.
Crop: Rose
More info
- Introduce Aphidius ervi as Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Potato Aphid) or Macrosiphum rosae (Rose Aphid) occurs.
- Introduce 2 Aphidius ervi/m² in and around hot spots.
- Introduce Aphelinus abdominalis as Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Potato Aphid) or Macrosiphum rosae (Rose Aphid) occurs.
- Introduce 2 Aphelinus/m² in and around hot spots.
- Preventive: Introduce minimum 0,15 Aphidius colemani/m² per week
- Curative: As soon as aphids are detected: introduce minimum 0,5-1 Aphidius colemani/m² per week, until an equilibrium is reached.
- Disperse Aphidius in Bio-Boxes (± 25 boxes/ha)
- Preventive: Introduce 5-10 Aphidoletes/m²/week in and around aphid hot spots during at least 3 weeks.
- Open the bottle and place this bottle under an aphid hot spot or disperse Aphidoletes, in heaps, on a moist substrate.
- Remark: The gall midges have an excellent ability to search, but they can become disorientated by frequent use of a sulphur steamer.
Crop: Sweet pepper
More info
- When the first aphids are detected in the crop, introduce 0,1-0,25 Aphidius ervi/m²/week until an equilibrium is reached.
- Introduce the parasitic wasps at the lower parts of the plant, preferably in the neighbourhood of aphid hot spots.
- Introduce the Adalia-larvae in the immediate neighbourhood of aphid hot spots.
- Preventive: Introduce minimum 0,15 Aphidius colemani/m² per week
- Curative: As soon as aphids are detected: introduce minimum 0,5 Aphidius colemani/m² per week, until an equilibrium is reached.
- When there is enough parasitizing: introduce minimum 0,15 Aphidius colemani/m² per week as maintenance scheme.
- Remark:
- Start with the first introduction not later than the first flowering.
- When hyperparasitizing occurs, Aphidius colemani can be replaced by Aphidoletes aphidimyza.
- Preventive: Introduce 0,1-0,2 Aphidoletes/m²/week
- Curative: When aphids are detected in the crop, introduce 0,5-1 Aphidoletes/m²/week
- Open the bottle and put it under the aphid hot spot, or disperse Aphidoletes, in heaps, on a moist substrate.
- Remark: The gall midges have an excellent ability to search, but they can become disorientated by frequent use of a sulphur steamer.
Crop: Tomato
More info
- Introduce Aphidius ervi/Aphelinus abdominalis when glasshouse potato aphids (Aulacorthum solani) or potato aphids (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) are spotted.
- Introduce 2 Aphidius ervi/Aphelinus abdominalis/m² in and around "hot spots".
- Introduce Aphidius ervi/Aphelinus abdominalis when glasshouse potato aphids (Aulacorthum solani) or potato aphids (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) are spotted.
- Introduce 2 Aphidius ervi/Aphelinus abdominalis/m² in and around "hot spots".
- Introduce Aphidius colemani when green peach aphids (Myzus persicae) and/or cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii) are spotted.
- The number of Aphidius colemani to be introduced depends on the number of aphids present. Please contact your technical advisor in this respect.
- Introduce 0,5-1 Aphidoletes/m² per week as soon as aphids are spotted.
- In and around "hot spots" of aphids: 5-10 Aphidoletes/m².
- Introduce Aphidoletes aphidimyza on a moist substrate.
Crop: Tree nurseries
More info
- Introduce Aphidius ervi if Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Potato aphid) or Aulacorthum solani (Glasshouse potato aphid) are occurring.
- Introduce 2 Aphidius/m² in and around hot spots.
- Introduce 50-100 Adalia-larvae/m² in the immediate neighbourhood of aphid hot spots, as an addition to Aphidius and Aphidoletes.
- Introduce Aphelinus abdominalis if Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Potato aphid) or Aulacorthum solani (Glasshouse potato aphid) are occurring.
- Introduce 2 Aphelinus/m² in and around hot spots.
- Preventive: Introduce 0,1 Aphidius colemani/m² per week
- Curative: After detection of aphids: introduce minimum 0,5 Aphidius colemani/m² per week, during 3 weeks; until a sufficient number is parasitized.
- Disperse Aphidius in Bio-Boxes (± 25 boxes/ha).
- Preventive: Introduce 0,1-0,2 Aphidoletes/m²/week
- Curative: When aphids are detected in the crop, introduce 0,5-1 Aphidoletes/m²/week
- Open the bottle and place this bottle under the aphid hot spot, or disperse Aphidoletes, in heaps, on a moist substratum. Remark: The gall midges have an excellent ability to search, but they can become disorientated by frequent use of a sulphur steamer.
Crop: Anthurium
More info
- Introduce Aphidius ervi if Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Potato aphid) or Aulacorthum solani (Glasshouse potato aphid) are occurring.
- Introduce 2 Aphidius/m² in and around hot spots.
- Introduce 50-100 Adalia-larvae/m² in the immediate neighbourhood of aphid hot spots, as an addition to Aphidius and Aphidoletes.
- Introduce Aphelinus abdominalis if Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Potato aphid) or Aulacorthum solani (Glasshouse potato aphid) are occurring.
- Introduce 2 Aphelinus/m² in and around hot spots.
- Preventive: Introduce 0,1 Aphidius colemani/m² per week
- Curative: As soon as aphids are detected: introduce minimum 0,5 Aphidius colemani/m² per week, during 3 weeks until a sufficient number is parasitized.
- Disperse Aphidius in Bio-Boxes (± 25 boxes/ha).
- Preventive: Introduce 0,1 - 0,2 Aphidoletes/m²/week
- Curative: When aphids are detected in the crop, introduce 0,5 – 1 Aphidoletes/m²/week
- Open the bottle and put it under the aphid hot spot, or disperse Aphidoletes, in heaps, on a moist substrate.
- Remark: The gall midges have an excellent ability to search, but they can become disorientated by frequent use of a sulphur steamer.
pests
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Biobest Belgium N.V.
Ilse Velden 18
2260 Westerlo
BE - Belgium