New Biobest research confirms effective predation of raspberry aphid with Micromus-System at temperatures lower than previously thought, unlocking stronger early-season IPM strategies for protected raspberries.
This work reveals the generalist aphid predator, Micromus angulatus, is active at temperatures as low as 12°C, so significantly earlier in the season than previously shown. This finding represents an important advance in early-season control of the large raspberry aphid (Amphorophora idaei), particularly in protected cropping systems.
“By enabling earlier biological intervention, this discovery supports a reduction in crop residues, labour-intensive spray applications, and associated environmental impacts,” explains Dr Liam Harvey, Global Technical Specialist at Biobest. “It also has wider implications for improving aphid management in other crops early in the season.”
Persistent early-season threat
The large raspberry aphid is a key pest in raspberry production, feeding on new-season growth and excreting honeydew that promotes sooty mould development. Posing a serious threat to crop health and yield, it can also act as a vector for damaging plant viruses, spreading them within the crop.
“Historically, this pest has been effectively managed with conventional aphicides,” says Liam. “However, the loss of authorisation for key active ingredients and reduced application limits for others have created significant challenges for growers.”
While some synthetic pyrethroids remain effective, their use can considerably disrupt IPM programmes while other actives come with an extended harvest interval, limiting flexibility. As a result, growers increasingly require reliable biological solutions that perform early in the season.
Earlier activity than expected
The challenge is particularly acute in protected raspberry crops, where aphid eggs laid at the base of canes in autumn and hatch early the following season. Crops carrying residual populations into winter often face high aphid pressure from the start.
Micromus angulatus, a robust brown lacewing predator, feeds on a wide range of aphid species and has been shown to develop at temperatures as low as 9–10°C. Previous field trials confirmed effective predation at approximately 15°C.
“Research conducted in the lab and field has shown effective predation at 12°C, three degrees lower than previously believed. Predation becomes variable and unreliable below 12°C and is significantly less effective at 8°,” Liam explains. “In practical terms, this means predator activity can start as early as March/April.”
Micromus Angulatus Larva
Strengthening early-season IPM
Early spring is a critical window. Aphid populations in protected raspberries can increase rapidly at this stage, and temperatures are too low for biological control to be effective.
“Our findings challenge that assumption,” says Liam. “Micromus-System can be introduced early to target aphid fundatrices, females hatching in spring from overwintered eggs, helping suppress populations before they escalate.”
Implications for other crops
Rather than relying on early chemical interventions, early-season introductions of Micromus-System have been shown to delay generational peaks and slow overall population development.
“This is an exciting development, not just for raspberry aphid control, but for managing other aphid species in early-season crops such as strawberries,” Liam concludes.
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