Aphidend Predatory Gall Midge

Scientific name: Aphidoletes aphidimyza.

Aphidoletes aphidimyza, the aphid midge, is a midge whose larvae feed on over 80 aphid species.
The adults are small black, delicate flies that live for an average of 10 days, feeding on aphid honeydew They are active at night and hide beneath leaves during the day. Females deposit 100 to 250 tiny shiny orange eggs singly or in small groups among aphid colonies that hatch in 2 to 3 days. After 3 to 7 days the larvae drop to the ground and burrow into the soil to pupate. 
The small, bright orange, slug like larvae inject a toxin into the leg joints of aphids to paralyze them and then suck out the aphid body contents through a hole bitten in the thorax. Larvae can consume aphids much larger than themselves and may kill many more aphids than they eat when aphid populations are high. A single larva kills 4 to 65 aphids per day.

Use for:

• All species and stages of aphids

Mode of action:

Adult gall midges emerge from the pupae and deposit their eggs in the aphid colonies. After emerging from the eggs the larvae consume the aphids. Visually, successful control results in aphids becoming entirely consumed, only their skin remains.

Product specifications:

Application:

• Open the bottle in the greenhouse.
• Place the bottle directly on the soil or rockwool slabs or hang it in between the plants.
• Do not scatter the contents.
• Once emerged, the adult gall midges will leave the bottle and spread on their own.
  

Dosage:

The dosage of Aphidend depends on climate, crop and aphid density and should always be adjusted to the particular situation. Start introduction as soon as the first aphids are detected in the crop. Introduction rates typically range from 1 to 10 per m2/release. Releases should be repeated at weekly intervals until control is achieved. 

Environmental conditions:

• Most effective between 20°C and 30°C / 68°F and 86°F, effectivity decreases significantly at higher temperatures.
•  As gall midges are active at night, it is crucial to keep the night temperature above 12°C / 61°F, to ensure optimal conditions for oviposition.
• Apply Aphidend in an environment with a high relative humidity > 70% to get the best results.
  

Storage:

• Apply as soon as possible after receipt. If necessary, the product can be stored for 1 to 2 days.
• Store at temperatures of 10°C to 15°C / 50°F to 59°F.
• Store in the dark.

Caution:

• High densities of generalist predatory mites, especially Amblyseius swirskii, can be detrimental to Aphidend as the predatory mites feed on the eggs of Aphidoletes aphidimyza. Can be combined with aphid parasitoids.
• Pesticides can have direct or indirect effects on biological solutions.
• Only use products that are permitted in your country or state and crop.