LIVE DELIVERY GUARANTEED
TARGET PESTS:
Over 200 species of aphids. Targets larger-bodied aphid species such as the Potato aphid, Foxglove/Glasshouse aphid, and the Green Peach aphid.
ABOUT APHELINUS ABDOMINALIS:
Aphelinus abdominalis is about 3mm long with short legs, short antennae, and a yellow abdomen. A. abdominalis is not a strong flyer, so should be placed near aphid infestations. This beneficial insect is best suited for preventing outbreaks of aphids during the early risk period. It may be used at higher rates in conjunction with other beneficial insects, such as Aphidius colemani and Aphidius ervi, to bring moderate infestations under control.
A female can lay up to 250 eggs in a 3 week cycle. The female adult will lay an egg directly into the aphid body where it hatches and the larvae will consume the aphid’s body from within. When A. abdominalis larvae mature, the host aphid transforms into a black mummy over 7 days. Subsequently, it takes another 14 days for the mummy to mature into an adult, which emerges through a hole at the mummy's rear. Expect to observe the first mummies in your crops at least 14 days after the initial release.
RELEASE LOCATIONS:
Indoors and outdoors on a wide range of plants in greenhouses, vegetable crops, ornamental crops, soft fruits, tree nurseries, horticulture landscapes, and various other types of crops.
RELEASE RATES:
LIGHT INFESTATION: 80 wasps per 40 sq. ft. of canopy with two weekly introductions into infested areas.
HEAVY INFESTATION: 160 wasps per 40 sq. ft. of canopy with two weekly introductions into infested areas.
Sprinkle contents onto leaves or into Hanging Release Boxes and hang on infested plants. Do not place mummies directly onto soil or substrate and keep product dry.
It's important to note that these release rates serve as general guidelines and may vary based on the specific pest species, the crop or plant being treated, and level of infestation. Proper monitoring of the infestation and the subsequent effectiveness of the released beneficial insect population is crucial for determining the success of the biological control strategy.
PRO TIPS:
Proper identification of the aphid species is important. Monitoring the crop closely and early releases will help in overcoming the pest. Pesticides and even wetting agents and spreader-stickers may adversely affect A. abdominalis survival. Broad spectrum and systemic insecticides are toxic to these wasps.
Remove yellow sticky cards for the first few days after release.