BeneficialCabbage aphid
Cabbage aphid parasitoid for cabbage aphid
Diaeretiella rapae · wild parasitoid wasp
Against cabbage aphid
UMass calls D. rapae the native parasitoid of cabbage aphid, and its bronze mummies are common in the colonies. In a 2018 UMass flower trial beside Brussels sprouts, most were collected on Ammi majus. UMass rates predators better than parasitoids at controlling high aphid populations, and warns natural enemies may not prevent high autumn densities, so keep broad-spectrum sprays off and add predators in tunnels.
RateWild — grow Ammi majus and other flowers near the brassicas
TimingFrom the first colonies; leave mummies in place
macro · cabbage aphid parasitoid on cabbage aphid
The pestCabbage aphidBrevicoryne brassicaeDense grey waxy colonies; curled, yellowed leaves; contaminated heads and sproutsFull pest profile →Before you act
The tiny wasp behind the tan or bronze aphid mummies in brassica colonies. It arrives on its own, drawn by the smell of cabbage-family plants, so the job is to recognise it and not spray it. How to recognise it, what it is confused with and how to keep it around are on the full Cabbage aphid parasitoid profile.
Other controls for cabbage aphid
- HoverfliesWild predator (larvae) · Wild — plant alyssum, dill, cilantro or Ammi majus near the brassicas
- LadybugsWild predator · Nothing to release in the open garden — conserve the ones already there
- Aphidoletes aphidimyzaPredatory midge · 1–10 /m² per release, weekly
- Chrysoperla carneaGreen lacewing larvae · 2–20 /m² per release, weekly