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By Lane GreerNCAT Agriculture SpecialistJune 2000

The following document focuses on least-toxicmethods for dealing with aphids in greenhouses.

For general information on greenhouse IPM,request ATTRAs publication Integrated PestManagement forGreenhouse Crops, which coverstopics such as screening to eliminate pests, weedmanagement, and disease control.

Introduction

There are approximately 4,000 aphid species inthe world. Life cycles and preferred hosts varywith each type of aphid. Common aphid pests ofgreenhouse crops include the green peach aphid(Myzus persicae), the melon/cotton aphid (Aphisgossypii), the chrysanthemum aphid(Macrosiphoniella sanborni), the rose aphid

(Macrosiphum rosae), the potato aphid(Macrosiphumeuphorbiae) and the foxglove aphid(Aulacorthum solani) (1).

The green peach aphid is probably the mostnotorious aphid pest of greenhouse crops becauseof its wide host range, worldwide distribution,number of viral diseases it vectors, and difficulty

800-346-9140

Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas

GREENHOUSE IPM: SUSTAINABLE

APHID CONTROL

Abstract: This publication summarizes IPM for greenhouse aphids on both vegetable andornamental crops. Focus is on monitoring, sanitation, biological controls, biorational pesticides, andinsect growth regulators. Supplemental tables include information on the newest biopesticides andbiological control organisms.

ATTRA is the national sustainable agriculture information center funded by the USDAs Rural Business -- Cooperative Service .

www.attra.ncat.org

Contents

Introduction.......................................................1Crop Scouting and Trapping.........................2Biological Control 2

Courtesy Of Hercules Inc., Wilmington, Delaware

PESTMANAGEMENTTECHNICALNOTE

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Crop Scouting and Trapping

Plants should be visually inspected for signs ofan aphid infestation. Look especially carefully at

plants prone to aphid problems, and at plantparts like the undersides of leaves, stems, andnew growth. Choose plants randomlythroughout the greenhouse and inspectundersides of leaves, buds or tip growth andwatch for honeydew and cast skins. Since aphidsare difficult to see on plants with fine foliage,hold such plants over a white piece of paper and

gently tap to dislodge any aphids. Avoid movinginfested plants to new areas where susceptibleplants are growing. Locations where aphids arefound should be flagged, so that populationdevelopment and control efforts can beevaluated.

Different aphid species tend to populate different

parts of their host plants. Green peach aphidstend to cluster on the succulent young growth,whereas melon aphids are usually evenlydistributed along the plant stems. Melon aphidpopulations also have fewer winged adults thando green peach aphids. Knowing which speciesis infesting the crop is very important insuccessful detection and monitoring of aphid

populations. The Cooperative Extension Serviceis a good resource for identification of specificaphid pests.

Yellow sticky cards placed horizontally at the topof the pot or container (if you are growingcontainerized plants) can be used for monitoringwinged aphids. However, since winged aphids

caught during the summer months may haveblown in from the outdoors, sticky cards are notas reliable as visual inspections. Sticky cards aremore useful in the winter months when aphidscaught on the cards are not likely to have come infrom the outside. It is better to rely primarily on

i l i i f hid d i d

Biological Control

There are several biological control options forgreenhouse aphid pests. Some common

biological control agents (BCAs) include greenlacewings (Chrysoperla carnea, C. rufilabris,Chrysopa spp.), aphid midges (Aphidoletesaphidimyza), parasitic wasps (Aphidius colemaniand Aphidius matricariae) and lady beetles(Hippodamia convergens). See Appendix I:BeneficialOrganisms for more BCAs andsuppliers.

A 1998 study showed that green lacewing larvaedid not disperse as well as the parasitic waspAphidius colemani (3). To achieve equal aphidsuppression, more of the slower-moving speciesneed to be introduced and from more points(lacewings have to be released on each benchbecause they cannot move to adjacent benches,

for instance). A study performed at ColoradoState University compared the effectiveness ofparasitic wasps, aphid midges, lady beetle larvae,and green lacewing larvae (4). The researchersfound that lacewings performed better in hottemperatures, while aphid midges and ladybeetles were better in cooler temperatures. At alltemperatures,Aphidoletes was the best of the four

at controlling aphids.

Biorational Pesticides

Strains of the fungus Beauveria bassiana providegood control of aphids, including green peachaphids. The fungus works by attaching to the

outside of the pest, then penetrating into thebody and killing it. The fungus is availablecommercially for greenhouse ornamentals asNaturalis-O and for vegetables asBotaniGard. (See below for suppliers.)

A h f V i illi l ii l

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Verticillium lecanii often occurs naturally ingreenhouses, so it may be possible to encourageits growth and distribution in the greenhousewithout the benefit of a commercially available

product. V. lecanii spores require at least 93%relative humidity at temperatures between 59and 81F to germinate and grow (6). Highhumidity must be present for at least 1012hours/day. Unfortunately, most plant disease-causing fungi also grow best at these sametemperature and humidity ranges. Fungicidesused to control the plant disease-causing fungi

would probably also kill any beneficial fungipresent. Insecticides may also be harmful to V.lecanii.

Least-toxic pesticides used against aphids ingreenhouses include insecticidal soap (M-Pede), horticultural oil (UltraFine SunSprayspray oil), and botanical insecticides such as

neem (Azatin, Neemazad, and Neemix), ornatural pyrethrums. See Appendix II:Biorational Pesticides for more information andsuppliers.

Insect Growth Regulators

Insect growth regulators (IGRs) are another least-toxic pesticide control option for pests. IGRstypically kill insects by disrupting theirdevelopment. They have a complex mode ofaction that precludes insects from rapidlydeveloping resistance. IGRs can work in one ofseveral ways: 1) they can mimic juvenilehormones, so that insects never enter the

reproductive stage of development; 2) they caninterfere with the production of chitin, whichmakes up the shell of most insects; or 3) they caninterfere with the molting process. IGRs usuallywork through ingestion, so good spray coverageis essential. They generally dont affect non-

target species, such as humans, birds, fish orother vertebrates. For most IGRs there areminimal re-entry restrictions. IGRs typically takeseveral days to have an effect on pest

populations. Because IGRs do not affect matureinsects, adult beneficials released into thegreenhouse after an IGR application are not likelyto be affected. Use of IGRs is generallyprohibited by organic certification organizationsbecause the products are synthesized.

IGRs can sometimes be used in conjunction with

biological control efforts and may providegrowers with a safety net should beneficialsfail to keep the pests below economicallydamaging levels. The table below lists somewell-known insect growth regulators. (Contactinformation for suppliers is listed at the end ofthis document.)

Courtesy of Hercules Inc. Wilmington, Delaware

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Summary and Further Resources

Greenhouse aphids are tiny insects, but theydemand serious attention on the part of thegreenhouse grower. Integrated pest managementoffers a sustainable approach for dealing withgreenhouse aphids, and safer pest controlproducts facilitate the adaptation of least-toxic

control measures that dovetail very nicely withthe IPM philosophy. In the resources sectionsbelow, growers are provided with a list ofbiological control suppliers; and tables thatsummarize biocontrol agents and biorationalpesticides that control aphids.

Table 1. Selected Insect Growth Regulators

Brand Name Supplier Active against:

Azatin Hydro-Gardens, Olympic whiteflies, leafminers, thrips,Horticultural Products mealybugs, fungus gnats, aphids,

cabbage loopers, diamondbackmoths, armyworms

Enstar II Wellmark Intl. whiteflies, fungus gnats, aphids,soft and armored scales, mealybugs

Neemazad Thermo Trilogy whiteflies, leafminers, thrips,mealybugs, fungus gnats, aphids,cabbage loopers, diamondbackmoths, armyworms

Neemix Thermo Trilogy whiteflies, leafminers, thrips,mealybugs, fungus gnats, aphids,

loopers, diamondback moths,armyworms, cabbage loopers

Preclude Whitmire Micro-Gen whiteflies, thrips, scales, aphids

Related ATTRA Materials

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References:

1) Lindquist, Richard. 1991. A guide to aphidcontrol. GrowerTalks. October. p. 75.

2) Sunderland, Keith et al. 1992. Integrated pestmanagement of greenhouse crops in NorthernEurope: Aphids. p. 2330. In: Jules Janick(ed.) Horticultural Reviews: Vol. 13. JohnWiley and Sons, Inc. New York, NY.

3) Heinz, K.M. 1998. Dispersal and dispersion

of aphids and selected natural enemies inspatially subdivided greenhouseenvironments. Environmental Entomology.Vol. 27, No. 4. p. 10291038.

4) Anon. 1999. Efficacy of four biocontrol agentson the green peach aphid,Myzus persicae, ingreenhouse peppers. Midwest BiologicalControl News. JanuaryFebruary. p. 7.

Biological Control Suppliers

A-1 Unique Insect Control5504 Sperry Dr.Citrus Heights, CA 95621916-961-7945916-967-7082 faxEmail: ladybugs@a-1unique.comhttp://www.a-1unique.com

ARBICO Inc.PO Box 4247 CRBTucson, AZ 85738800-SOS-BUGS520-825-2038 fax

Email: arbico@aol.comhttp://www.arbico.com

Beneficial Insectary14751 Oak Run Rd.Oak Run, CA 96069800-477-3715

Caltec Agri-Marketing ServicesPO Box 576155Modesto, CA 95357209-575-1295209-575-0366 faxhttp://www.caltecag.com

Florikan ESA Corp.1523 Edger PlaceSarasota, FL 34240800-322-8666941-377-3633 fax

Email: buglady@aol.com

The Green Spot, Ltd.93 Priest Rd.Nottingham, NH 03290-6204603-942-8925603-942-8932603-942-5027 voice mailEmail: GrnSpt@internetMCI.com

Harmony Farm Supply3244 Hwy. 116 No. FSebastopol, CA 95472707-823-9125707-823-1734 faxEmail: kate@harmonyfarm.comhttp://www.harmonyfarm.com

Hot Pepper Wax, Inc.305 Third St.Greenville, PA 16125888-667-3785724-646-2302 faxEmail: lindag@hotpepperwax.comhttp://www.hotpepperwax.com

Hydro-Gardens, Inc.

PO Box 25845Colorado Springs, CO 80932719-495-2266719-531-0506 faxhttp://www.hydro-gardens.com

I t ti l T h l S i I

http://www.a-1unique.com/mailto:arbico@aol.comhttp://www.arbico.com/http://www.caltecag.com/mailto:buglady@aol.commailto:GrnSpt@internetMCI.commailto:kate@harmonyfarm.comhttp://www.harmonyfarm.com/mailto:lindag@hotpepperwax.comhttp://www.hotpepperwax.com/http://www.hydro-gardens.com/http://www.hydro-gardens.com/http://www.hotpepperwax.com/mailto:lindag@hotpepperwax.comhttp://www.harmonyfarm.com/mailto:kate@harmonyfarm.commailto:GrnSpt@internetMCI.commailto:buglady@aol.comhttp://www.caltecag.com/http://www.arbico.com/mailto:arbico@aol.comhttp://www.a-1unique.com/

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IPM LaboratoriesPO Box 300Locke, NY 13092-0099315-497-2063315-497-3129 Fax

http://www.ipmlabs.com

Koppert Biological Systems2856 Main St. SouthAnn Arbor, MI 48103313-998-5589313-998-5557 faxhttp://www.koppert.nl/english/index.html

M&R Durango, Inc.PO Box 886Bayfield, CO 81122970-259-3521970-259-3857 faxhttp://www.goodbug.co

Mycogen Crop Protection

5501 Oberlin Dr.San Diego, CA 92121800-745-7476619-453-9089 faxEmail: soares@mycogen.com

Mycotech Corp.PO Box 4109Butte, MT 59702-4109

800-383-4310406-782-9912 faxEmail: mycotech@montana.com

Natural Pest Controls8864 Little Creek Dr.Orangeville, CA 95662916-726-0855916-726-0855 fax

Email: natpestc@cwnet.comhttp://www.natural-pest-controls.com

Natures ControlPO Box 35Medford, OR 97501800 698 6250

Olympic Horticultural ProductsPO Box 1885Bradenton, FL 34206-1885800-659-6745888-647-4329 fax

Email: olympic@hortnet.comhttp://www.hortnet.com/olympic

Praxis2723 116th Ave.Allegan, MI 49010616-673-2793616-673-2793 faxEmail: praxis@datawise.nethttp://www.praxis-ibc.com

Rincon-Vitova Insectaries, Inc.PO Box 1555Ventura, CA 93002800-248-2847805-643-6267 faxEmail: bugnet@west.net

http://www.rinconvitova.com

SePRO Corp.11550 N. Meridian St., Suite 180Carmel, IN 46032-4562800-419-7779317-580-8290 faxEmail: rogers@sepro.comhttp://www.sepro.com

Soil Technologies Corp.2103 185th St.Fairfield, IA 52556800-221-7645515-472-6189 faxEmail: soiltech@lisco.comhttp://www.lisco.com/soiltech

Stoller Enterprises, Inc.8582 Katy Freeway, Suite 200Houston, TX 77024800-539-5283713-461-4467 fax

Thermo Trilogy Corp

mailto:soares@mycogen.commailto:mycotech@montana.commailto:natpestc@cwnet.comhttp://www.natural-pest-control.com/http://www.hortnet.com/olympic/mailto:praxis@datawise.netmailto:bugnet@west.nethttp://www.sepro.com/mailto:soiltech@lisco.comhttp://www.lisco.com/soiltechhttp://www.lisco.com/soiltechmailto:soiltech@lisco.comhttp://www.sepro.com/mailto:bugnet@west.netmailto:praxis@datawise.nethttp://www.hortnet.com/olympic/http://www.natural-pest-control.com/mailto:natpestc@cwnet.commailto:mycotech@montana.commailto:soares@mycogen.com

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Wellmark International1000 Tower Lane, Suite 245Bensonville, IL 60106800-842-3135630-227-6065 fax

Whitmore Micro-Gen3568 Tree Court Ind. Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63122800-777-8570

By Lane GreerNCAT Agriculture SpecialistJune 2000

The electronic version of Greenhouse IPM:

Sustainable Aphid Control is located at:

http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/gh-

aphid.html

Insect drawings courtesy of HerculesPowder Company; Wilmington, DE-Handbook of the Insect World60p.

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Organism Supplier Pests Controlled Application/Comments

Iphiseius degenerans or Intl. Technology aphidsAmblyseius degenerans Services, IPM Labs.,

(predatory mite) Green Spot

Lysiphlebus testaceipes Praxis aphids(parasitic wasp)

N. cucumeris and N. barkeri Hydro-Gardens thrips, aphids, mites 1 predator/sq. ft.; humidity should be moderate, temp.70F. Establish population early. Repeat every monthduring periods of warm,dry weather.

Orius insidiosus Florikan, IPM aphids, caterpillars, 1/10 sq. ft. (preventive), 1 every 2 sq. ft. when pests are(minute pirate bug) Labs., Harmony Farm thrips, whiteflies, present. Temperature should be 70-90F. Orius are(predator) Supply, Arbico, mites dormant SeptemberApril. Re-apply every 2-3 weeks.

Hydro-Gardens, Very susceptible to pesticides. Works well in combina-Praxis, Koppert, tion with Neoseiulus cucumeris.Intl. Tech. Services,Green Spot

Propyleaquatuordecimpuncata Praxis aphids(predatory beetle)

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Appendix II: Biorational Pesticides

Azadirachtin extract of neem seed; IGR that works through contact or ingestion

Brand Name Supplier Pests Controlled REI Application/Comments

Azatin Green Spot aphids, caterpillars, fungus 4 hours Apply when pests first appear.gnats, leafhoppers, leafminers,Western flower thrips,whiteflies, psyllids

Neemazad Thermo aphids, caterpillars, thrips, 12 hours Cannot be applied through irrigation. Low rate can beTrilogy greenhouse whitefly, leafminers, used as a preventative.

sweetpotato whitefly, psyllids,leafhoppers

Beauveria bassiana fungus that works through contact; exposure to non-target insects should be avoided

Brand Name Supplier Pests Controlled REI Application/Comments

Naturalis-O SePro aphids, caterpillars, mites, 4 hours Apply when insects first appear and repeat every

psyllids, thrips, whiteflies 7-10 days. Need good spray coverage. Notcompatible with other fungicides.

BotaniGard Mycotech giant whitefly, green peach 12 hours See above.aphid, black vine weevil,other aphids and whiteflies,thrips, leafhoppers, psyllids,white grubs

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Garlic extracts

Brand Name Supplier Pests Controlled REI Application/Comments

Garlic Gard Soil Tech- repels aphids and other insectsnologies

Garlic Barrier Green Spot repels aphids and other insects 4 hours Use late in the day. Can be mixed with fish oil orhorticultural oil. Do not use in combination withbumblebees or honeybees.

Horticultural oil includes dormant and summer superior oils

Brand Name Supplier Pests Controlled REI Application/Comments

All Seasons Green Spot aphids, mealybugs, scales, 4 hours Use on sunny days to promote rapid drying andthrips, whiteflies, spider decrease chance of phytotoxicity. Not compatiblemites with beneficials.

Hot pepper wax contains capsaicin, paraffin, and mineral oil

Brand Name Supplier Pests Controlled REI Application/Comments

Hot Pepper Green Spot aphids, loopers, beet army- 4 hours Also contains herbal essential oils. Not compatibleWax worms, mites, whiteflies, with beneficials.

thrips, mealybugs, etc.

Hot Pepper Hot Pepper see above 0 hoursWax Wax, Inc.

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Insecticidal soap contains potassium salts of fatty acids

Brand Name Supplier Pests Controlled REI Application/Comments

M-Pede Mycogen aphids, mealybugs, scales, 12 hours Phytoxicity is often a concern, esp. afterthrips, whiteflies, spider repeated applications.mites

Safer Green Spot see above 4 hours See above.

Insecticidal Olympic see abovesoap

Neem oil multi-purpose organic insecticide/fungicide/miticide; kills eggs, larval and adult stages of insects

Brand Name Supplier Pests Controlled REI Application/Comments

Trilogy 90EC Thermo greenhouse whitefly, silver- 4 hours Apply at first signs of damage. Repeat every 7-10 daysTrilogy leaf whitefly, sweetpotato as needed.

whitefly, thrips, whiteflies,leafminers, aphids, mites,

psyllids, San Jose scale, scale,spider mites, downy mildew,powdery mildew, Alternaria,Botrytis, etc.

Triact 90EC Thermo see above 4 hours For ornamental crops only.Trilogy

Soybean oil

Brand Name Supplier Pests Controlled REI Application/Comments

Golden Naturl Stoller aphids, fungus gnats, lace 12 hoursSpray Oil bugs, leafminers, scales,

mealybugs, spider mites,whiteflies