Rearing of Three Spotted Alfalfa Aphid Hymenopterous Parasites for Mass Release

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Abstract
In 1954 the spotted alfalfa aphid, Therioaphis maculata (Buckton) first appeared in California and rapidly increased and spread throughout the alfalfa producing areas of the state. In 1955 three species of wasps parasitic on this pest were brought into California from the Mediterranean and Middle East regions where they are indigenous. These parasites were Praon palitans Muescbeck and Trioxys utilis Muesebeck (Braconidae), and A phelinus semiflavus Howard (Eulophidae). All three of these species were successfully cultured in the Riverside and Albany insectaries of the Department of Biological Control of the University of California. The techniques and equipment used in the culture and distribution of the parasites are described, as well as the methods of growing alfalfa in the greenhouse and the culture and maintenance of the host aphid, T. maculata in the insectary. Nearly four million parasites were shipped from the insectaries at Albany and Riverside, chiefly in 1956-57.