Scale control with the parasitic wasp Aphytis melinus
Aphytis melinus is a species of parasitic wasp belonging to the family Aphelinidae. This tiny wasp is widely recognized for its role in the biological control of various scale insect pests.Native to Southeast Asia, Aphytis melinus has been introduced to many parts of the world to aid in integrated pest management (IPM) programs.
Aphytis melinus is used for the control of the following pests:
- California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii)
- Oleander scale (Aspidiotus nerii)
- Other scales
The parasitic wasp Aphytis melinus is available at Koppert as Aphytis.
Aphytis melinus products
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How to use Aphytis melinus
Divide each pot into 11 drop points. Use the lid, the 8 strips of green paper, the cotton on the bottom and the jar itself. Make a homogeneous distribution throughout the plot. Release more wasps in the areas of the field where scales are present. Release early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Release the same day the product is received, in case of adverse weather it can be stored for 24-48 hours at 18ºC and in darkness.
Behaviour of the parasitic wasp Aphytis Melinus
Aphytis melinus females deposits their eggs underneath scale insects, with the hatched larvae feeding on and ultimately killing the host insects.
Life cycle and appearance of Aphytis melinus
Aphytis melinus is an ectoparasite: the female deposits one or more eggs beneath the scale cover and upon hatching, the larva proceeds to feed on the scale. The preferred hosts for the parasitoid are third instar scale nymphs, although smaller scales are accepted for parasitism as well. Immature development takes place entirely under the scale cover. If a parasitized scale cover is flipped over, the dead scale will be flat and dehydrated, and the parasite's cast skin and fecal pellets will be evident. After reaching adulthood, the adult wasp chews a small round hole in the scale cover and leaves. Males and females are a lemon-yellow with green compound eyes and three red ocelli (single eyes) on top of the head. Wasps are approximately 1 mm in length. Females are larger than males, and have an ovipositor. Sex ratio is normally female biased.
