Common Species:
 
Aphis gossypii  - cotton aphids
   
  Myzus persicae - green peach aphids
   
Aphis fabae - bean aphid
   
Common Name:
 
plant lice
   
greenflies
   
blackflies
   
Damaging Stage:
 
Adults and nymphs
   
Crops Affected:
 
Cucurbits, solanaceous, legumes, papaya, cotton
   
Characteristic Damage:
 
Initial damage includes yellowing of leaves.
   
High aphid population causes downward curling of leaves, stunted plant growth and wilting.
   
Aphids produce honeydew, a sticky exudate that serves as substrate for the growth of sooty mold.  It also interferes with the leaves’ photosynthesis and transpiration.
   
They are known vectors of different groups of viruses including Potyvirus (PRSV, ZYMV,ChiVMV), Luteovirus (CAYV/NMK) and Cucumovirus (CMV).
   
   
Management and Control:
 
Monitor the area regularly.
   
Remove weeds and volunteer plants that may serve as alternate hosts for the aphids.
   
Regulate use of nitrogen fertilizer, excessive nitrogen fertilization favors aphid reproduction.
   
Use yellow sticky traps to minimize aphid population.
   
Use plastic mulch to repel the aphids.
   
Use botanical extracts like neem, kakawate and hot pepper and canola oil.
   
Apply  imidacloprid, acephate, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, azadirachtin, dinotefuran, acetamiprid, spinosad, pymetrozine when necessary.
   
References:
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7404.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphid
Ebert TA, Cartwright B, 1997. Biology and ecology of Aphis gossypii Glover (Homoptera: Aphididae). Southwestern Entomologist, 22(1):116-153.
   

To view other diseases,  click here.

Need more help?  Ask the Doctor.