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Adalia-System-Plus
 

The solution against aphids!

Adalia bipunctata is a native ladybird. The larvae are used in ornamental, fruit and vegetable crops as beneficials to control aphids. Adalia has a large appetite and it can be used against several kinds of aphids in different cultures. Adalia can be used in combination with other beneficials and is harmless for mankind and nature.

  Biology: Adalia bipunctata
 

These ladybirds belong to the order of Coleoptera and the family of Coccinellidae.

An adult Adalia bipunctata lays 20 to 50 eggs a day. The eggs are elongated and have a yellowish, orange colour. The egg stage depends on the climate, but normally takes 4 to 8 days. After the hatching, the larvae will seek aphids immediately. The chances of survival of these young larvae depend upon the ready availability of food when the larvae start to crawl. The development time is about 20 days at a temperature of about 20°C.

Once in the fourth larval stage, the larva stops eating and pupates. During pupation, which takes 8 days at a temperature of 20°C, the ladybird stops eating for a few days and stays inactive. Attention! It is not dead!

Finally, the adult beetles appear by tearing the pupal skin. During September and October they will look for a hibernation place. Adalia prefers outside walls, window frames or bark crevices.

 

  Application
 

Adalia bipunctata is a native ladybird which can be found all over Europe. It finds its way in a pretty extensive range of living areas and feeds on different aphid species. It appreciates a sunny climate and relatively dry living conditions with a short, non-overgrown vegetation.

Therefore, Adalia is a regular visitor of vegetable gardens, fields and flowerbeds. Adalia bipunctata can be used in several protected cultures and open field cultures in gardens (roses, small shrubs, annuals) vegetable gardens and vineyards.

 

  Adalia-System-Plus
 

Adalia is packed in its larval stages and per 100 larvae. Especially for applications in the open air a small jute sack can be delivered to introduce the Adalia larvae easier in trees and bushes.

 

  Biobest technical advice
 

Introduce the larvae in the center of aphid hotspots before these get too big.

Introduce the larvae immediately after arrival. They can be stored in the refrigerator max. 1 to 2 days at 8 to 10°C.
Hang out Bio-boxes or use the small jute sacks which can be delivered with the product.
The amount of larvae needed depends on the size of the infection and the devolopment/growth of the culture. Check the aphids infestation and reintroduce every week if necessary. Introduce for example 3 to 5 larvae at the foot of the rose bush in the beginning of the infestation; at early introduction 10 larvae on young trees in fruit culture.
Introduction of Adalia larvae occurs preventively as from May-June and afterwards especially in aphid hot spots.
If you work with Adalia, the period of introduction is essential. If you introduce too soon, it means unsufficient food supply and too late means a long-lasting nuisance through aphids. The adviced quantity of Adalia for a tree with a trunk thickness of about 30 cm is 200 pieces. In trees with a trunk thickness of 100 cm it is advisable to introduce 600 larvae in the crown.

 

  Remarks
 

One Adalia eats about 100 aphids a day. When the food supply is big enough, they reproduce and hibernate on the location where they are introduced.

The trees or bushes in which Adalia is introduced, may not be treated with chemical products at least six weeks before the introduction. If you doubt about the side effects of chemical products, consult the Biobest Side Effects Manual.

The battle for control of aphids using ladybirds does not work without the elimination of ants (by using glue barriers) which, when they are present, will reduce the efficacy of ladybird larvae. Ants try to protect the aphids to profit from the sugar substance which the aphids secrete.

 

 

  Benefits
 
Ladybird native in Europe, adapted to local climate conditions, no danger for existing ecosystems.
In natural conditions occurs on trees as well as on shrubs and lower plants; thus suitable for many crops (flowers, vegetables, trees).
Larvae are gluttons for several species of aphids and even for a few other pests.
Packed per 100 larvae in shredded paper.
 

 

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