Ximena,

While we don't work with the cabbage aphid, there are several ways in which we 
reduce or exclude 
natural enemies of the aphid species we work with (generally in the context of 
a field experiment 
where parasitoid abundance can be very high).

The first is a non-woven breathable material used in the shipment of potted 
plants (we buy ours 
here: http://www.palmtreepackaging.com/content/breather, but I imagine other 
vendors exist).  
We typically secure them to the plant using twist ties to close the open ends.  
These are usually 
effective in keeping out even the smallest parasitoids as well as larger 
predators and are 
lightweight for delicate plants.   A few caveats: 1) wind and water will weigh 
the bag down and may 
damage the host plant.  We use garden bamboo rods to hold the bag and plant 
upright.  2) The 
material will tear and disintegrate under high UV conditions (within a few 
weeks at our high 
elevation field sites). 3) If parasitoids or predators do get into the bag, 
they can really wreck havoc 
in the enclosed space, so vigilance for their signs (eggs, larvae, aphid 
mummies) is critical.

The second approach is to use a lightweight mesh, such as a polyester organza 
sewn or glued into 
sleeves that fit over the plant.  This is very similar to the above with the 
advantage of better water 
shedding ability.  Lee et al. 2005 (doi: 10.1603/0046-225X-34.1.115) suggest a 
mesh size of 
2,500 cells/cm^2.

The third approach, which I admit I have not personally used, is to place 
yellow sticky cards (i.e. 
those used in greenhouses to control hemipterans).  While these wouldn't 
eliminate your problem, 
there is literature that shows they reduce enemy abundance when they are placed 
next to aphids.  
If you are interested in the survival of alate aphids, this may not be a good 
option.

WP

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