Aphelinus mali

ENEMIES. The most important enemy is the wasp-like insect Aphelinus mali. This parasitoid has a higher temperature requirement than the woolly aphid and is therefore not as common in the spring. As temperatures rise, the development of the parasitoid proceeds faster, and para-sitization levels of up to 90% can be achieved by the autumn. Parasitized aphids do not have the typical wax covering, and the opening where the parasitoid has hatched can be seen in the dead aphids. Aphelinus mali is sensitive to high levels of sulphur, however. 

Conserve and encourage beneficials [Aphelinus mali and earwigs). 

DIRECT. Chemical control is only necessary in extremely rare instances. With a little patience and a conservative spraying programme, it is possible to achieve a very high degree of parasitization by Aphelinus mali in the autumn. 

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