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Biological Control Agents

Beneficial Organisms for Greenhouses

Aphid Parasitoid, Aphidius colemani:

Aphidius is a parasitic wasp that attacks many species of aphids including the green peach aphid and the melon aphid. In greenhouses Aphidius will maintain very low levels of aphids, but does not respond fast enough numerically to “treat” an aphid outbreak. It is therefore critical to release Aphidius into the greenhouse preventatively in anticipation or carefully monitor and release at the first sign of aphids.

Whitefly Parasitoid, Encarsia formosa:

Encarsia is a parasitic wasp that attacks whiteflies. Excellent control of greenhouse whitefly has been achieved in tomatoes, capsicum, cucumber, roses, herbs, cut flowers, and a wide range of nursery and ornamental crops. Encarsia will also reduce damage from the silverleaf whitefly. Encarsia releases should start prior to or at the first detection of whitefly and should continue weekly until at least 80% of whitefly nymphs are parasitized.

Fungus Gnat/Thrips Predator, Hypoaspis miles:

Hypoaspis is a generalist predatory mite that offers control of fungus gnat larvae in most growing mediums. It will also feed on other soil dwelling arthropods, such as thrips pupae, and on decaying organic matter. This allows it to survive in the soil in the absence of the pest for extended periods and makes preventative application very effective.

Thrips Predator, Neoseiulus cucumeris:

N. cucumeris is a predatory mite that feeds on immature thrips and some mites. Its main use is in the control of thrips in greenhouses, particularly where insecticide-resistant western flower thrips are present.

Like most natural enemies, N. cucumeris is most effective when released prior to detection of the pest or at latest at the first sign of thrips. Cucumeris can survive in the absence of thrips by feeding on the pollen of some crops such as capsicum. It has also successfully controlled thrips in cucumber, eggplant, roses, and other flower crops.

Outdoor Crops

Red Scale Parasitoid, Aphytis melinus:

Parasitic wasp used in citrus worldwide for the control of red scale. Aphytis is also used to control some other armoured scale insects in various crops.

Mite Predator, Euseius victoriensis:

A generalist predatory mite for the control of eriophyid mites (eg. rust and bud mites) and broad mites in vines and trees.

Spider Mite Predator, Typhlodromus occidentalis:

A predatory mite for the control of two-spotted mites. T. occidentalis is suitable for crops in dry environments where humidity is low and temperatures are high.

Under Development

Hypoaspis (=Geolaelaps) aculeifer: A soil dwelling predator for the control of thrips, bulb mite, and fungus gnats.

Metaphycus helvolus and M. lounsburyi: Parasitic wasps for the control of black scale and soft brown scale in citrus, olives, and ornamentals.

Dalotia (Atheta) coriaria: A generalist predator that will feed on shoreflies in addition to thrips and fungus gnats.