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 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). |
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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, azadirachtin, dinotefuran, acetamiprid, spinosad, pymetrozine when necessary. |
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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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