As springiness approaches and temperature are on the climb , aphids are re-emerge , signaling it is fourth dimension to start introductions of the small temperature liberal , Renaissance man aphid predator Eupeodes - System – says Koen Merkus , IPM and Pollination Specialist .
broken temperature tolerant“While most hoverflies have an optimum temperature scope fall within 20 - 35 ° deoxycytidine monophosphate , Eupeodes corollae is different - preferring slenderly cooler conditions , ” he says . “ This edacious aphid predator remains alive down to 10 ° C , making it idealistic for kickstarting aphid control programs in a variety of spring craw – while its optimum range is 15 - 25 ° cytosine . ”
Generalist aphid predator“While parasitic WASP such as Aphidius - System remain the backbone of aphid controller political platform , they do n’t parasitize all aphid species , ” he explain . “ Chaetosiphon fragaefolli commonly found in strawberry crops ; Amphorophora spp . and Ericaphis scammelli , which target raspberries and blueberry respectively ; and mintage such as Rhododendron aphid ( Illinoia lambersi ) are just a few examples of aphids that are challenging to moderate . ”
“ This leaves an important office for generalist predator such as Eupeodes - System in soft fruit , but also in peppers - which are vulnerable as they come under approach from multiple aphid coinage . ”
Targeting aphid colonies“Eupeodes - System is versatile , with the larvae consuming between 500 and 1000 aphids while the nectar and pollen - feeding adult hoverflies can kick in to craw pollenation , ” he explain .
“ The adults are extremely mobile , capable to chop-chop spread through a craw . accommodate to searching out aphid colonies in which to lay their bollock , they often seek out pest irruption before they ’ve been scout in the harvest . Over a three - calendar week period , these long - go Eupeodes grownup can lay over 800 ball . ”
Start introductions from springKoen recommends start up Eupeodes - System introductions preventatively , at a dispirited rate , and over three sequent weeks , from spring onwards - when aphids are generally wait to appear . In cases where the first aphids are already scouted , these rates may be increase .
“ However , keep in psyche that for skilful brass and development , the larvae ask gravid numbers of aphids , while the adults benefit from the handiness of open nectar - pollen carry flowers in the harvest , ” he says . “ In the absence seizure of desirable harvest bloom , we recommend introduce companion plant – for instance , Lobularia maritima - which supply nectar and pollen to support hoverfly establishment . ”
To maximise egression , Koen urge preface Eupeodes - organization pupa in well - spaced Bio - Boxes , hung away from the reason in the tint .
As season progressesHoverflies are extremely compatible with other aphid control product , including parasitoids , as the larvae prefer to eat non - parasitized aphids . optimize efficiency from the parasitized aphid , a further generation of parasitoids emerges .
“ count on the geography , as the time of year progresses and temperature hang glide , it can be advisable to throw to Sphaerophoria - System , ” he suppose . “ With a higher optimal range of 25 - 35 ° 100 , this hoverfly species tolerates temperature up to 40 ° blow . However , Eupeodes - System comes back to the fore in the autumn , as temperatures start to fall . ”
“ In combination with Sphaerophoria - System , these two authoritative hoverfly controls can provide time of year - tenacious Renaissance man aphid ascendency - complement parasitoid programs . ”
© FloralDaily.com/Andrea Di Pastena
