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Contains
Aphidoletes aphidimyza as pupae mixed in vermiculite. Unit: 1000 in 250ml bottle. Target Pest
Several species of aphids particularly when present in colonies. Instructions
» | Before application, lay bottle in horizontal position and rotate whilst tilting through 60° to mix the pupae evenly through the vermiculite. | » | In rockwool grown crops tip vermiculite onto the block in approximately 10ml portions opposite the drip irrigation. For other crops either place portions on moist compost or soil or use release tubs or boxes. Where aphids are present, concentrate portions in those areas. |
Introduction Rates
When used preventatively, introduce at least 0.25 per m2 each week. When aphids are already present, introduce between 4 and 10 per m2 depending on infestation, for three weekly introductions. Conditions
Aphidoletes aphidimyza prefer conditions of high relative humidity. Adult females are active at night and require a minimum night temperature of 15°C for egg laying. During short day periods (below 15 hours) and low temperatures diapause can be induced. The next generation may be reduced in crops where the floor is covered or solid because Aphidoletes need to pupate in the soil. Regular introductions will be necessary in these situations. Storage
» Preferably use on the day of receipt or within 2 days if stored in the dark at 10°C. Technical Information
Aphidoletes aphidimyza is a small midge (2mm) which is active at dusk and night. Females lay small orange eggs (0.3mm) which hatch into orange-red larvae after a couple of days. The larvae (up to 3mm) are voracious predators of aphids and firstly paralyse and then feed on the dissolved body contents of the dead aphid. When larvae are fully grown they fall or crawl to the ground to pupate forming a cocoon in the soil covered in sand or small stone particles.
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