Use this aphid parasite to prevent outbreaks of larger aphid species in greenhouse environments.
Ships FREE via Overnight methods on Tuesdays Only. MINIMUM 7-day processing prior to shipment.
Aphidius ervi will consume all types of larger aphids, especially the potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, and the glasshouse potato aphid, Aulacorthum solani. It also parasitizes Myzus persicae var. nicotianae, as well as aphids such as Sitobion sp., Schizaphis sp., Rhodobium sp., Acyrthosiphon pisum and others. Use Aphidius ervi especially when aphid infestations are just beginning as control will be easier to achieve early in the aphid population's growth.
Shipment, Biology and Release: Aphidius ervi are shipped in a 125 ml bottle that contains at least 250 mummies and adult aphid parasites. The bottle has a ventilated cap for optimum humidity. A sugar-water feeder ring ensures adult survival. Release the emerged adults within 18 hours of receipt. Adult Aphidius ervi are 4-5 mm long, and black. Female adult parasitic wasps parasitize the aphid. As a result, the aphid swells and hardens into a leathery, grey or brown colored mummy. The first mummies can be seen in the crop approximately 2 weeks after the first introduction.
Release Rates: Use at the rate of 1 adult per 20-100 square feet for preventative use. 250 mummies (SKU 1001001) is sufficient for 5000-25,000 square feet. Dose rate may be increased 5-fold for hot spots. We recommend that you introduce A. ervi weekly for at least 3 weeks. Monitor weekly for the brown mummified aphids. Supplement your aphid parasite population with further introductions as required; migration from outside may occur in warmer months. When pruning leaves, check for parasitized aphids (brown mummies). If mummies are present, keep these leaves in the greenhouse until new parasites emerge.
This Product Controls These Pests or Diseases: Aphids (Mult), California Laurel Aphid (Euthoracaphis umbellulariae)
Shelf Life: Use within 18 hours of receipt.
Instructions
Greenhouse Release: Open container in the greenhouse. Walk around the area to be treated, holding the open bottle at a 45° angle, releasing the emerged adults into the air. Distribute the adults evenly over the area. Recap the bottle and store at greenhouse temperature until more adults have hatched. Adult parasites emerge through a round hole at the rear of the mummy. Repeat the distribution of adults daily for 2-4 days until most adults have emerged from the bottle. Finish by placing the open bottle in the greenhouse next to a plant in case more emerge. Protect Aphidius ervi from ants.
Field Release: Any emerged adults should be released near known infestations in the morning or evening, not in direct sunlight. Sprinkle mummies into a thin layer in release boxes that are shaded from direct sunlight. Leave for a week to allow the Aphidius ervi to emerge and find aphids. Activity of parasites is reduced at temperatures above 86° F. Protect Aphidius ervi from ants.
Environment: Crops, Nursery, Greenhouse, Grow Room, Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Pond & Environment, Interiorscapes, Container Plants, Outdoors, Orchards & Vineyards
Storage: If not releasing immediately, keep in outer box in a cool place out of direct sunlight. 65-77°F, 60-80%RH
Viability Note: If you plan to check for viability, please do so upon receipt and prior to releasing the beneficial insects. Many predators and parasites are small and can be difficult to spot once released. If you believe there are issues with viability, please contact us immediately.
Shipping Info
When Will My Order Ship?
- Ships via Overnight shipping methods only. This does not take processing time into account. Overnight Shipping refers to the time frame for delivery after the shipment date.
- Orders ship on Tuesdays only.
- Orders placed by Wednesday will ship on following Tuesday (minimum 7 days for order processing).
- For any questions about shipping restrictions, please call us immediately
Shipping Restrictions: Overnight
What's In The Package: All sizes ship in 4 oz. bottles and are packaged with ice.
