Aphidoletes aphidimyza

Aphidoletes-System

Gall midge larvae that clears large aphid hot spots

What is Aphidoletes-System?

• The gall midge Aphidoletes aphidimyza, whose larvae are biological control agents
• Orange-coloured larvae that can become up to 3 mm Larvae consume multiple aphid species
• Adults only feed on nectar and pollen

What are the benefits Aphidoletes-System?

• Very good search behaviour that allows them to detect and predate on incipient aphid hot spots at low prey density
• Eggs are only deposited in aphid hot spots
• No leaf damage due to gall formation

How does biological control with Aphidoletes-System work?

Adult females are actively looking for aphid hot spots Adults lay more than 100 eggs per aphid hotspots The larvae start sucking their prey immediately after hatching Up to 100 aphids are eaten during the larval stage In case of large aphid hot spots, more aphids are killed than they need to feed themselves (overkill)

In which crops can you introduce Aphidoletes-System?

• Ornamental crops such as rose and gerbera
• Vegetable crops such as tomato and cucumber
• Soft fruit such as strawberry and raspberry
• Tree nursery

GUIDE LEAD TIME: 6-10 DAYS