Natural enemies of Russian wheat aphid identified in California

Abstract

A survey of natural enemies of Russian wheat aphid conducted over several growing seasons reveals a complex of predators and parasites attacking this pest in California cereal fields. Because of environmental and economic considerations, unilateral use of insecticides is not a sound management strategy against this pest. A number of promising natural enemies have been imported and are now being reared for release in California cereal fields. These natural enemies may augment the effectiveness of those already present in California.