Locally Produced Aphidius colemani for Aphid Control

Aphidius colemani

Locally Produced in Ontario, Canada

Target Pests

Aphid

Most Growers want to prevent production losses from Green Peach Aphids & Cotton-Melon Aphids, while staying within budget.

But the problem is cold storage and long-distance transit harms the fuctionality of parasitoid wasps reared outside of North America... and when biocontrols fail, pests take over.

At Crop Defenders, we know how frustrating that can be. You deserve fresh & functional parasitoid wasps that deliver the results you need. That's why we locally produce Aphidius colemani on live host-plant system in Ontario, Canada and provide expedited shipping or direct delivery to Growers across Canada and the United States.

Packaging Options

Loose Product Options

10,000
5,000
1,000

Carrier Material Options

Buckwheat hulls
No carrier

Physical Description

Aphidius colemani adults are are small, dark coloured wasps up to 2-3 mm (0.125 inches) long. Mummified aphid hosts are bronze spheres, typically 1-3 mm (0.08 inches) in diameter.

Life Cycle

Aphidius colemani will complete its life cycle within 10 days at 25ºC (77ºF), and 14 days at 21ºC (70ºF). Adult females lay approximately 100 eggs in aphid hosts.

The larvae develop inside the aphid hosts, and do not kill the host until the wasp larva begins to pupate.
As the larva pupates, the aphid host develops into a rigid, bronze mummy.
Adults emerge from the mummies by cutting an exit hole in the top, and the empty mummy remains on the leaf surface. The sex ratio of Aphidius colemani adults is approximately 60% females, and 50% males.

Mode of Action

Aphidius colemani females search for aphid hosts through interactions plant signalling molcules called kairomones. The adult female will first examine the aphid host by drumming it with its antennae, to assess if the aphid is a suitable species and whether it has already been parasitized. If the adult female determines the aphid is a suitable host, she will extend her abdomen forward to pierce the aphid with her ovipositor and deposit an egg inside. Mummified aphids can be seen in the crop within 10-14 days after an application.

Target Pests

Aphids specifically:

Green Peach Aphids Myzus persicae
Cotton-Melon Aphids Aphis gossypii

Rates

Schedule a Call with our Technical Consultants for guidance on rates and strategies tailored to your crops and needs.

Ideal Greenhouse Conditions

Aphidius colemani is most effective at temperatures between 20-25ºC (68-77 ºF) and relative humidity levels between 60-80%. It is not as effective at temperatures above 30°C (86°F).

Application

Spread the mummies on the canopy or place in application boxes, out of direct sunlight
Make sure the material remains dry and is not moved from its introduction site for at least a few days