Aphidius matricariae

The parasitic wasp Aphidius matricariae can parasitize about 40 aphid species. It is mainly an excellent parasitoid of the green peach aphid, the tobacco aphid and other closely related species. The wasp parasitizes adult aphids and nymphs. It also has a contributing effect in disturbing the population of the foxglove aphid. Compared to other Aphidius species, A. matricariae parasitizes faster and in higher numbers. A female parasitoid lays about one hundred eggs and may attack up to three hundred aphids in the attempt and process of parasitism. Most of the eggs are laid during the first four days. A. matricariae also has an excellent searching capacity for aphid colonies. The presence of a parasitoid also causes a panic reaction within an aphid colony. Aphids often let themselves fall down, and usually die on the ground. This parasitoid is used in protected solanaceous crops and berry crops, especially in organic sweet pepper and strawberry crops where aphid control is a big challenge. It can also be used in ornamental crops and herbs.

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