Control of Myzus persicae on year‐round chrysanthemums by introducing aphids parasitized by Aphidius matricariae into boxes of rooted cuttings

SUMMARY Complete control of Myzus persicae on the chrysanthemum cultivar Tuneful was achieved within 2 months or less of planting using the parasite Aphidius matricariae. The success of the technique depends on introducing a small population of parasitized aphids into boxes of rooted cuttings, and the rapidity of control is determined by the ratio of aphids to parasites present at the time of introduction. The method is likely to be even more successful where cultivars less susceptible to aphids are grown. A. matricariae cannot be used to control M. persicae if the aphids are infected with the fungus Cephalosporium aphidicola.