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Aphidius roseaParasitoid of rose aphids
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Target Pests |
Rose aphid |
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Crops suitable |
Commerial rose production, domestic rose gardens |
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General description |
The female wasp lays its eggs into the body of the aphid. The egg hatches inside and the larva feeds and develops into a fully formed wasp killing the aphid in the process. The aphid body bloats and develops a crusty shell called mummies. When the wasp is mature it cuts an escape hole in the back of the aphid and emerges to mate and feed and the female then searches for aphids to lay more eggs. |
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How to use |
Aphidius are supplied as aphid mummies. Wasps emerge soon after arrival. The mummies are supplies on cards or in a carrier like vermiculite. Aphid populations should be reduced with a low residual insecticide before the introduction of this parasitoid. Regular releases should then commence. This strategy should keep A. rosea at a barely detectable level. Discuss your situation with the supplier. |
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Release rates |
Details about the best timing, release rates and frequency of release for various crops are best discussed with suppliers to suit specific situations. Some general guidelines are provided below: |
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Suppliers |
Under development in Australia by IPM Techologies |
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Other biocontrol agents commonly used with Aphidius |
Ladybirds,
Hypoaspis,
Encarsia formosa and
Phytoseiulus
persimilis |
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