Developing an IPM Strategy for the Control of Foxglove Aphids

Posted on October 31, 2012 By Flowers Canada Posted In Current Projects

As more floriculture growers adopt biological control methods in their pest management strategy, new pest issues are emerging. One of the main pests of concern in greenhouse floriculture is the foxglove aphid (Aulacorthum solani).Current biological control methods for foxglove aphids have provided inadequate control. Although this aphid can be controlled with a commercially available registered insecticide, use of this insecticide will disrupt biocontrol programs against other pests. This project aims to generate recommendations on the reduced use of pesticides by investigating host plant acceptance behaviour of foxglove aphids. Secondly, ways to improve the efficacy of existing biocontrol agents will be investigated. Finally, a search for new natural enemies for foxglove aphid control will be undertaken. The finding of this research will help growers remain competitive and decrease the number of plants that have to be discarded due to aphid damage.