"Eupeodes corollae is found naturally all over Europe, from the Mediterranean to northern Europe," says Ines De Craecker, Product Manager Beneficials at Biobest. “Being a cold tolerant species, it is equally active in cooler autumn conditions. While some beneficials need warmer temperatures to perform, you can count on Eupeodes-System to continue to do its work - even if the glasshouse thermometer drops to 10 degrees Celsius. With an optimal temperature range of 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, Eupeodes-System is recommended for use from March to October".
Single larvae consumes up to 1,000 aphids
Females of Eupeodes corollae look for aphid colonies in which to lay their eggs - up to around 800 per adult. These turn into larvae within 1 to 2 days and begin to consume aphids - up to around 1,000 individuals in just 8 to 9 days. The only requirement for optimal control is sufficient daylight. The adult hoverflies only feed on nectar and pollen, so Eupeodes-System not only controls aphids, but can also contribute to pollination.
"Eupeodes is a generalist predator exclusively available at Biobest," adds Ines De Craecker. "In addition to all agricultural important aphid species, this predator can also contribute to the control of greenhouse whitefly, tobacco whitefly, mealybugs, thrips and red spider mite.
In addition, Eupeodes-System can be used in combination with another native hoverfly, which thrives in hotter conditions: Sphaerophoria-System, as well as with the parasitic wasp Aphidius-System and the gall midge Aphidoletes-System. This latest addition to our aphid control range provides an extra boost to the control of aphid populations.”
Easy to introduce, Eupeodes-System is available in bottles of 100 pupae, on a buckwheat and vermiculite carrier.
Biobest Belgium NV