Colemani
Aphidius colemani
Overview
Aphidius colemani (Colemani) is a parasitic wasp that will parasitise many aphid species including the Green Peach Aphid (Myzus persicae) and the Cotton/Melon Aphid (Aphis gossypii).
Colemani are about 2-3mm long and black with brown legs. They look very similar to a small black ant with wings, but the antennae are long and slender.
Colemani can be used in all crops where susceptible aphids are pests. It is primarily used in greenhouse production, but can also be used in outdoor crops to get the parasitoids started earlier than would occur naturally.
Crops that benefit from Colemani include capsicums, eggplants (aubergine), cucumbers, flowers, a range of ornamentals, cannabis, and some field crops such as cotton, melons, potato, brassicas and sweetcorn.
Pests Colemani can help you control
Colemani works best when you use it preventatively or when you first notice aphids in your crop. This parasitoid is very good at dispersing and finding low populations of aphids.
How Colemani controls pests among crops
Colemani females deposit eggs into aphids in a matter of seconds. The aphid continues to move and feed for 3 days after the egg has been deposited. When the egg hatches, the Colemani larva begins feeding on the aphid, eventually killing it. The parasitoid develops within the aphid body which at this stage is called a "mummy". The mummy looks like an over-inflated bronze aphid. Colemani then chews a hole through the back of the mummy and emerges as an adult wasp ready to deposit eggs in live aphids.
Certain pesticides and fungicides affect Colemani so contact your local Biological Services Consultant for specific advice.
How you can order Colemani
You can order Aphidius colemani from Biological Services in vials containing 500 aphid mummies/vial and in the Aphid Parasite Mix.
Get tailored advice for your commercial crop
To speak with one of our qualified consultants about your current commercial crop challenge or to learn about the benefits of the IPM maintenance and monitoring services we provide, contact us.
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