APHIDIUSforce™ Mix A.colemani | A.ervi | A.abdominalis | A. matricariae

Product Description

APHIDIUSforce™ Mix combines four parasitoid wasps — Aphidius colemani, Aphidius ervi, Aphidius matricariae, and Aphelinus abdominalis — into one release that attacks a wide range of common pest aphids. The broad species mix covers both small and large aphids, so it is a strong choice for mixed infestations or when you would rather not identify every aphid in the crop. Each wasp turns its host into a mummy you can scout on the leaf, and the blend works across greenhouses, indoor facilities, fields, and gardens.

What it targets

Small aphid species:

• Green Peach Aphid (Myzus persicae)
• Melon/Cotton Aphid (Aphis gossypii)
• Black Bean Aphid (Aphis fabae)
• Cannabis Aphid (Phorodon cannabis)

Large aphid species:

• Potato Aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae)
• Foxglove Aphid (Aulacorthum solani)
• Pea Aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum)
• Lettuce Aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri)

Crops it supports

Ornamentals, hemp/cannabis, vegetable crops, soft fruits, and tree nurseries — in greenhouses, indoor facilities, fields, and gardens.

How the wasps control aphids

Female wasps hunt for aphids by sensing the odor of infested plants and the aphid’s honeydew secretions. Once she finds aphids, the female touches them with her antennae to confirm they are an appropriate species, then uses her ovipositor to insert a single egg inside the host. When the egg hatches, the larva eats the aphid from the inside, killing it 7 to 10 days later. The larva then spins a cocoon and the aphid turns into a mummy. The wasp pupates for 7 to 10 days before emerging as an adult, chewing a round exit hole out of the back of the aphid. Each female can lay up to 300 eggs, most of them during the first four days of adulthood.

Release Rates

Cannabis Alert: Release rate suggestions on these pages are usually not sufficient for cannabis growers. For cannabis release rates, contact us.

Release Instructions

Release timing: APHIDIUSforce™ Mix can be released preventatively. Once aphids are detected, increase the dosage rate in line with pest density.

Release method: Sprinkle the contents on flat leaves or into release boxes and hang them in the plants/crops. Do not place mummies directly onto soil or substrate. Ensure the product contents remain dry and are not moved from the introduction site for a few days.

Storage: Use immediately upon receipt. If that is not possible, the product can be briefly stored at 6–8°C / 43–46°F and RH > 85%. Always adhere to the use-by date.

Monitoring: Mummies can be observed on the leaves of the crop 10–14 days after the first application. Note that Aphelinus abdominalis produces black mummies, whereas the other three species produce golden/brown mummies. A perfectly round hole at the back of the mummy indicates that an adult wasp has emerged. Control should be achieved once 80% of the aphids are parasitized. Check efficacy by watching for a reduction in the pest population, fewer hot spots, and healthy plant growth free of honeydew or sooty mold.

Advisories: Remove yellow sticky cards for the first few days after the wasps are released. Blue sticky cards are acceptable to keep the entire time.