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 AC
Environment: glasshouse
Temperature Range: 15.0 – 30.0°C
Rate: 0.5–1/m²
Frequency: Weekly x 3–4
Best for cotton/melon aphid; avoid <15°C
Aphidius colemani
Product: Aphiline
Environment: glasshouse
Temperature Range: 15.0 – 30.0°C
Rate: 0.5–1/m²
Frequency: Weekly x 3–4
Best for cotton/melon aphid; avoid <15°C
Aphidoletes aphidimyza
Product: Aphidoline
Environment: glasshouse
Temperature Range: 15.0 – 30.0°C
Rate: 5-10/m²
Frequency: Weekly until control
Curative
Aphidius ervi
Product: Erviline
Environment: glasshouse
Temperature Range: 15.0 – 30.0°C
Rate: 0.25–0.5/m²
Frequency: Weekly x 3
Preventative
Adalia Bipunctata
Product: Adaline Larvae
Environment: glasshouse
Temperature Range: 12.0 – 30.0°C
Rate: 10/m²
Frequency: Weekly until control
Curative
Chrysoperla sp
Product: Chrysoline Larvae
Environment: glasshouse
Temperature Range: 12.0 – 30.0°C
Rate: 10/m²
Frequency: Weekly until control
Curative
Aphidius colemani
Product: Aphiline
Environment: outside
Temperature Range: 15.0 – 30.0°C
Rate: 0.5–1/m²
Frequency: Weekly x 3–4
Best for cotton/melon aphid; avoid <15°C
Aphidoletes aphidimyza
Product: Aphidoline
Environment: outside
Temperature Range: 15.0 – 30.0°C
Rate: 5-10/m²
Frequency: Weekly until control
Curative
Aphidius ervi
Product: Erviline
Environment: outside
Temperature Range: 15.0 – 30.0°C
Rate: 0.25–0.5/m²
Frequency: Weekly x 3
Preventative
Adalia Bipunctata
Product: Adaline Larvae
Environment: outside
Temperature Range: 12.0 – 30.0°C
Rate: 10/m²
Frequency: Weekly until control
Curative
Chrysoperla sp
Product: Chrysoline Larvae
Environment: outside
Temperature Range: 12.0 – 30.0°C
Rate: 10/m²
Frequency: Weekly until control
Curative
Aphidius ervi
Product: Aphiline ER
Environment: tunnel
Temperature Range: 12.0 – 28.0°C
Rate: 0.25–0.5/m²
Frequency: Weekly x 3
Cooler ranges
Aphidoletes aphidimyza
Product: Aphidoline
Environment: tunnel
Temperature Range: 15.0 – 30.0°C
Rate: 5-10/m²
Frequency: Weekly until control
Curative
Aphidius ervi
Product: Erviline
Environment: tunnel
Temperature Range: 12.0 – 28.0°C
Rate: 0.25–0.5/m²
Frequency: Weekly x 3
Cooler ranges
Adalia Bipunctata
Product: Adaline Larvae
Environment: tunnel
Temperature Range: 12.0 – 30.0°C
Rate: 10/m²
Frequency: Weekly until control
Curative
Chrysoperla sp
Product: Chrysoline Larvae
Environment: tunnel
Temperature Range: 12.0 – 30.0°C
Rate: 10/m²
Frequency: Weekly until control
Curative
Related Biological Solutions
Growers dealing with aphid often also monitor these pests as part of a complete IPM programme: