How to use wasps and gall midges for aphid control.

How to use wasps and gall midges for aphid control. Parasitic wasps and gall midges are the cornerstone of a reliable aphid control strategy,as preventive or curative. This is very important for cucumber and gherkin growers to prevent losses. Biological control of aphids rests mostly on the introduction of parasitic wasps and gall midges. The female insects look actively for aphid hot spots to lay their eggs. When these eggs hatch, the larvae devour the helpless aphids.The parasitic wasps are always introduced as pupae. These need to be put on damp, shady spots between the crops to guarantee the best result. The parasitic gall midge Aphidoletes aphidimyza is a strong complementary weapon against aphids. In contrast to the parasitic wasps, the gall midge isn’t very choosy regarding its diet. “Its progeny eats literally every aphid species. more