Diglyphus isaea are small (2-3mm) warm-weather
parasitic wasps used in gardens, interiorscapes, greenhouse and field
crops to control leafminers. Females are slightly larger than males,
identified by a wide black-colored band on the back pair of legs while
males have two black-colored small bands.
Diglyphus
are shipped as pre-fed adults, and when established can protect a crop
through the season. Diglyphus isaea is best introduced when leafminers
are first seen or when soon expected. Diglyphus isaea will be active
between 60° and 90° F.
Adult wasps "sting" active second and third
instar leafminer larvae and oviposit 1 to 5 eggs into the mine adjacent
to the larvae. The sting injects a paralyzing toxin into the leafminer
larvae and halts feeding. The adult wasp will also feed on the paralyzed
leaf miner. Diglyphus larvae hatch from these eggs, and feed on the
body and body fluids of the leafminer larvae, consuming the leafminer
from the outside-in. An adult Diglyphus wasp will emerge in about 16
days and feed on the dead host. Each adult female wasp will oviposit as
many as 50 eggs in her lifetime.
The presence of Diglyphus is
recognized by short/stopped mines containing dead larva. Reduction of
leafminer numbers is a clear sign of success. When used early as a
preventive measure, you may find very few leafminers, or none at all.
Optimum conditions for Diglyphus: between 75-90°F, relative humidity around 80°.
Significantly warmer or cooler temperatures will affect reproduction and development.
Adult wasps are active approximately 3 weeks.
Development; egg-adult, at 68°F (20°C) +- 16 days.
Storage: Store bottle upright 1-2 days in the dark at 6-10°C/43°F. DO NOT FREEZE.
Release rate: 1 wasp per 20-30 sq ft or 500-1,000/acre 1 or 2 weeks apart, minimum 2 releases recommended.
Introduce
wasps into foliage by opening the bottle and allowing the wasps to fly
out, in the early morning or late evening in low light or darkness.
Can be used in conjunction with Beneficial Nematodes.
Request by Thursday 11:00AM for shipment the following week.
Preferred Shipping method: UPS Next Day.
Available in the Continental United States only
Live & perishable product sales, once shipped, are final, non-cancelable and non-refundable
