The
parasitic wasp Lysiphlebus is the most important biocontrol agent of the greenbug
in wheat. Mummies produced by Lysiphlebus from the aphid it killed are either
tan or brown depending on which species of aphid it parasitized. Tan mummies
are formed from greenbugs while brown mummies are formed from bird cherry-oat
aphids. This parasitoid can be effective at maintaining greenbug infestations
below economically damaging levels. Researchers at OSU and USDA-ARS have recently
determined thresholds for parasitism that lead to successful control of greenbug
infestations in wheat fields in Oklahoma.
Above: Parasite lifecycle, click on picture to enlarge.
Below: Photograph of greenbugs and mummies.
Above:
Photograph of adult parasite.
