Common Species: | |
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Aphis gossypii - cotton aphids |
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Myzus persicae - green peach aphids |
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Aphis fabae - bean aphid |
Common name: | |
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plant lice |
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greenflies |
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blackflies |
Damaging stage: | |
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Adults and nymphs |
Crops Affected: | |
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Cucurbits, solanaceous, legumes, papaya, cotton |
Characteristic Damage: | |
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Initial damage includes yellowing of leaves. |
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High aphid population causes downward curling of leaves, stunted plant growth and wilting. |
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Aphids produce honeydew, a sticky exudate that serves as a substrate for the growth of sooty mold. It also interferes with the leaves’ photosynthesis and transpiration. |
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They are known vectors of different groups of viruses including Potyvirus (PRSV, ZYMV, ChiVMV), Luteovirus (CAYV/NMK) and Cucumovirus (CMV). |
Management and Control: | |
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Monitor the area regularly. |
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Remove weeds and volunteer plants that may serve as alternate hosts for the aphids. |
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Regulate use of nitrogen fertilizer, excessive nitrogen fertilization favors aphid reproduction. |
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Use yellow sticky traps to minimize aphid population. |
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Use plastic mulch to repel the aphids. |
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Use botanical extracts like neem, kakawate and hot pepper and canola oil. |
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Apply imidacloprid, acephate, thiamethoxam, azadirachtin, dinotefuran, acetamiprid, spinosad, pymetrozine when necessary. |
References: | |
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. |
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