Aphid is a name for a large group of insects, many of which can cause serious damage to plants. They extract sap from plants causing a reduction in plant growth, reduced yields, and sometimes defoliation. They can also secrete toxic substances into the plants. The Aphids take proteins from the sap, then the excess sugar left in the sap is excreted back onto plants. This causes a sticky mess on the leaves, which black moulds often grow on.
Aphids are soft bodied and often shed white skins onto leaves. Adult Aphids can be green, yellow, pink, black, grey or brown.
This Aphid killer contains the Gall Midge; Aphidoletes aphidimyza, which can be introduced for the biological control of Aphid colonies. The aphidimyza adults are attracted to feed on Aphid honeydew. The female aphidimyza will then lay between 60-250 eggs amongst the Aphid colonies. The eggs quickly hatch into orange coloured larvae, which will proceed to paralyse the Aphids and suck out their body contents! The aphidimyza feed on all species of Aphids and a wide variety of Greenfly species.
Aphid killer should be used from March to September. It can be used in the later months if extra artificial lighting is available.
Aphid Killer is only effective when Aphid colonies are present, introduce when Aphids or Greenfly have been clearly identified on your plants
The Aphidoletes aphidimyza are best suited to indoor use.
The Aphidoletes aphidimyzacome supplied in three different sized bottles containing either 1000, 2000 and 10,000 aphidimyza.
To apply your aphidimyza place the bottle directly on the soil beneath your plants, or alternatively hang it between your plants in order to keep it away from any ants. Please do not scatter the aphidimyza. Aphidimyza will hatch inside the bottle and then begin to spread and locate the Aphids or Greenfly.
Full instructions will also be provided on delivery.
The aphidimyza require an environment with relatively high humidity. These midges are active at night, so it is desirable if a night temperatures of above 12℃ is maintained for optimal conditions.
One bottle of Aphidoletes aphidimyza will treat an average small greenhouse. Repeat applications may be required for heavy infestations of Aphids.
Aphidoletes aphidimyzais a living creature and can be affected by any chemical pesticides used within the previous few weeks. As a general guide, refrain from using Pyrethrum or SB Plant Invigorator 2 days prior to use. Other chemicals insecticides can have long lasting residues that could harm aphidimyza and other predators for much longer periods. Refrain from using these products or check with Dragonfli for information on the effect of these products on our predators.