Aphidius colemani

The parasitic wasp from the Braconidae family is used to control various species of aphids on crops such as cucumber, pepper, eggplant, as well as some ornamental and field crops.

Aphidius females lay eggs in the victim’s body, turning it into a brown “mummy» as the larva grows. Depending on the habitat conditions, it will take 10-14 days for an adult to develop from an egg. Adults of Aphidius colemani are usually dark in colour and live for 2-3 weeks, during which they lay up to 100 eggs.

This parasite wasp is a very active hunter and freely flies between plants in search of aphids. Unlike A. ervi, it preys on small aphids, including cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii) and peach aphids (Myzus persicae).

Application of Aphidius colemani:

Because entomophages developing slower than the pest, a preventive approach to introduction is recommended: in the absence of a pest, add 1 individual per 4 m2 once a week. 

When the pest is already present on plants, the application rates depend on its quantity:

• with a small infection — 1 individual per m2;
• with a large number of pests — 2 individuals per m2.

The application procedure should be repeated every 7 days until the pest population decreases.