Release of Aphidius matricariae for control of Myzus persicae in glasshouses

Abstract

Aphidius matricariae, the most effective antagonist of Myzus persicae, has been released in experiments to control this aphid on capsicum, Anthurium andreanum and Ficus lyrata. In all cases, effective short-term as well as long-term control has been achieved through an infestation-linked application of the parasite, at parasitoid-host ratios from 1:5 to 1:50. Control experiments in capsicum over 31 weeks showed effective control of M. persicae by A. matricariae, even at a high infestation level. Chemical insecticides were not needed against aphids until week 26, when it became necessary to avoid damage due to mass propagation of naturally occurring Aphis gossypii and Macrosiphum euphorbiae. The results show that, with increasing complexity of biological control methods, the species diversity of aphids increases their significance as pests. In particular, biocontrol of aphids seems to necessitate the use of several antagonists.