Tip Top Bio-Control Technical Bulletin

Anaphes iole
Egg parasitoid of Lygus Bugs

Target Pests:
Lygus hesperus, Lygus lineolaris, Lygus elisus, probably Lygus desertinus, Polymerus basalis, Taedia marmoratus, Deraeocoris brevis, Spissistilus festinus.

Host Plants:
Strawberries, alfalfa, cotton as well as other plants and weeds attacked by Lygus. Anaphes iole have been found naturally occurring in a wide array of crops and weeds. Augmentative releases of this parasitoid in strawberries have been shown to be very effective for controlling Lygus. The wasp is probably effective for controlling Lygus and other pests on a multitude of crops.

Description:
Like most other mymarids, Anaphes iole adults are among the smallest of insects (0.5-0.6 mm long). The females live for about 7 days if fed on honey after emergence. If Lygus eggs are abundant, the parasitoid will lay all of its eggs in less than three days, but it can oviposit for up to 11 days in other conditions.

Life stages:
Egg, Larvae, Adult wasp.

Sex Ratio:
Females predominate in offspring produced by mated mothers. Ratio can vary depending on the density of host eggs encountered. Unmated mothers produce only males. Reproduction is a form of parthenogenesis.

Development:
Completes a generation in 15 days at 80° F.

Environment:
Does well in warm and dry/humid environments, in greenhouses and outdoor crops.

Fungicides:
Anaphes iole is compatible with the fungicides thiram, benmyl, captan and mycobutanil as long as the parasitoids are released one day after applications. Iprodione is safe if releases are made after 3 days.

Storage:
Highly perishable and should be used immediately upon delivery. If storage is absolutely necessary, refrigerate at 45°-52° F. (6°-10° C.). Not to exceed 2-3 days to minimize mortality.

Augmentation:
Anaphes iole should be released on strawberries when flowering starts. University trials suggest release rates of 15,000 parasitoids per acre, per week starting in early to mid May for four weeks and another release for four weeks starting early to mid July. However, releases should only be done when Lygus populations are high and starting to lay eggs on the flowers/buds. Lygus bugs are the most attracted to plants for laying eggs during flowering. Trials suggest that the degree of Lygus control achieved by A. iole releases is similar to the control achieved with application of Malathion.

A similar approach is recommended for other crops, but the timing will vary depending on the crop species and when Lygus populations increase.