Aphid
Biocontrol strategies using ladybirds, parasitoids and mixes.
Aphids cause rapid distortion and honeydew contamination. Biological control uses predators and parasitoids…
About Aphids
Aphids are one of the most persistent pests in UK horticulture, attacking soft tissue on vegetables, ornamentals and protected crops. They reproduce extremely fast, causing curling, distortion, honeydew and sooty mould. Many species also transmit damaging plant viruses, making early intervention critical.
Symptoms of Aphid Damage
- Leaf curling and twisted new growth
- Sticky honeydew on leaves and surfaces
- Sooty mould development
- Stunted plants and reduced vigour
- Presence of shed aphid skins (“white dust”)
Why Biological Control Works
Aphids are ideal candidates for biological control because they form clusters that predators and parasitoids can target efficiently. Beneficial insects such as Aphidius colemani, Aphidius ervi, lacewings and ladybirds are highly effective when released early in the crop cycle. Once established, these natural enemies provide continuous suppression with no residue issues.
Common UK Aphid Species
- Myzus persicae (Green peach aphid)
- Aphis gossypii (Melon aphid)
- Macrosiphum rosae (Rose aphid)
- Aphis fabae (Black bean aphid)
- Aulacorthum solani (Foxglove aphid)
IPM Recommendations
- Introduce parasitoids preventatively before numbers build
- Use banker plants to maintain Aphidius populations
- Maintain moderate humidity and good airflow
- Monitor leaves twice weekly for live colonies and mummies
- Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides that disrupt beneficials
Preventative vs Curative Strategy
Preventative: Small weekly introductions of Aphidius species to build a stable background population.
Curative: Add lacewings, ladybirds or Aphidoletes when hotspots appear, especially in warm conditions.
Biological Controls for Aphid
The options below are examples of beneficial insects and biological products commonly used against aphid. Always refer to supplier guidance and product labels for crop safety and local registration status.
Aphidius colemani
Product: Aphiline
Environment: glasshouse
Temperature Range: 12.0 – 28.0°C
Rate: 0.25–1 wasp/m²; higher in hotspots
Frequency: Introduce weekly while colonies present
Primary parasitoid for smaller aphids such as M. persicae. Avoid incompatible sprays.
Aphidius ervi
Product: Erviline
Environment: glasshouse
Temperature Range: 12.0 – 28.0°C
Rate: 0.25–1 wasp/m²
Frequency: Weekly or bi-weekly depending on pressure
Targets larger aphids such as potato aphid. Combine with Aphiline.
Aphidoletes aphidimyza
Product: Aphidoletes
Environment: glasshouse
Temperature Range: 16.0 – 30.0°C
Rate: 0.5–2 adults/m²
Frequency: Repeat every 1–2 weeks while hotspots remain
Curative predator for colonies. Needs warm nights and RH > 70%.
Colemani + Ervi + Aphelinus mix
Product: Aphiline Veg
Environment: tunnel
Temperature Range: 12.0 – 28.0°C
Rate: 1–2 mummies/m²
Frequency: Repeat every 7–14 days
Mixed parasitoid pack for protected veg.
Adalia bipunctata
Product: Adaline
Environment: outdoor
Temperature Range: 14.0 – 26.0°C
Rate: 5–10 larvae per infested plant
Frequency: Repeat after 2–3 weeks
Ladybird predator for outdoor aphids.
Chrysoperla carnea
Product: Chrysoline
Environment: outdoor
Temperature Range: 14.0 – 26.0°C
Rate: 5–10 larvae per hotspot
Frequency: Repeat 2–3 weekly
Lacewing larvae for outdoor crops.
Aphidius colemani
Product: Aphiline
Environment: glasshouse
Temperature Range: 12.0 – 28.0°C
Rate: 0.25–1 wasp/m², ahead of expected flights
Frequency: Introduce weekly during risk period
Preventative parasitoid to intercept colonising winged aphids; combine with exclusion netting and monitoring.
Aphidius ervi
Product: Erviline
Environment: outdoor
Temperature Range: 12.0 – 26.0°C
Rate: 0.25–1 wasp/m² into infested stands
Frequency: Weekly while populations are building
Parasitoid for larger aphid species on beans and other legumes; support with conservation of native predators.
Aphidius colemani
Product: Aphiline
Environment: glasshouse
Temperature Range: 12.0 – 28.0°C
Rate: 0.25–1 wasp/m² (higher under rapid growth)
Frequency: Introduce weekly from first colonies
Key parasitoid for peach–potato aphid in protected salads, herbs and ornamentals.
Aphidius ervi
Product: Erviline
Environment: glasshouse
Temperature Range: 12.0 – 28.0°C
Rate: 0.25–1 wasp/m²
Frequency: Weekly while colonies persist
Well suited to larger potato aphid; often combined with Aphiline in mixed populations.
Aphidoletes aphidimyza
Product: Aphidoletes
Environment: glasshouse
Temperature Range: 16.0 – 30.0°C
Rate: 1–2 adults/m² targeted to infested areas
Frequency: Repeat every 1–2 weeks
Can help where colonies extend above soil level; always combine with cultural and compatible chemical tools for root aphids.
Adalia bipunctata + Chrysoperla carnea
Product: Adaline + Chrysoline
Environment: outdoor
Temperature Range: 14.0 – 26.0°C
Rate: 5–10 larvae of each per infested tree or hedge section
Frequency: Repeat after 2–3 weeks if required
Predatory ladybirds and lacewings help clean up woolly aphid colonies on beech; prune heavily infested shoots where practical.
Related Biological Solutions
Growers dealing with aphid often also monitor these pests as part of a complete IPM programme: