What is on the underside of this strawberry leaf?
These round, tan objects are aphid mummies, the remains of aphids that have been parasitized and killed by tiny wasps. Due in part to parasitoid wasps, insecticide treatments are rarely needed for managing aphids in strawberries. These wasps prey upon aphids by inserting an egg into the aphids’ bodies. Once the egg hatches, the wasp larva feeds on the aphid from within. As the larva grows, it causes the aphid to blow up like a balloon, eventually killing it. If you look closely, you can see a circular hole in several of these mummies where the new adult wasp emerged following pupation. Continuing with the theme of last week’s Question of the Week, protecting these beneficial wasps is another reason to avoid applying broad-spectrum insecticides whenever possible.
This week’s question is from Daniel Lyon, Midlands Fruit and Vegetable Extension Agent.
The South Carolina Grower 