Common Name

Aphid

Phylum, Class

Homoptera, Aphididae

Physical Description

Sap feeding insect, 1-5 mm long, with soft bodies, long legs and antennae. Conspicuous pair of tube like structures called the sphihunculi occur on the abdomen. Body color varies between species and ranges from white to green, red, black, orange to yellow. Colonies consist of winged and wingless individuals. Winged aphids have two pairs of broad transparent wings with conspicuous dark veins. Weak fliers, but can be carried for miles on air currents.

Distribution, Habitat

Temperate Europe. Widespread in greenhouses and outdoors. Lives on leaves, flowers, stems.

Life Cycle

Reproduction is asexual, and aphids seen on plants are parthenogenetic females, and produce clones of the adult. Aphids mature in a week, giving birth to live young. One female is capable, indirectly of producing 10,000,000 of young in a week.They may alternate between asexual and sexual.

Method Of Attack

Mouth parts have very long stylets, which are inserted into tissues, so sap flows up canals and into stylets, and enter digestive systems. Young and adults feed continuously. Excess sugars are excreted and collected by ants. 550 species.

Symptoms

Sooty mould on leaves.

Damage Caused

On young tissues, weakness, distortion, wilting and death. Leaves crippled, growth distorted. Viruses may also occur.

Cultural Control

If mobile, conditions will be serious. Using soapy water spray, and wiping away with gloved hands will help. Affected by excess Nitrogen content.

Chemical Control

Using insecticides may affect predators, and they will become resistant to them. Three Types:
Winter Wash: Tar oil may be used on orchards in winter. This kills all overwintering pests, moths and scale. Will also kill vegetation and lichens.
Non-Systemic: Kills by direct contact. Water based or aerosols, Derris, Malathion, Nicotene, Pyrethrum. All types any time. Residues last two days. Apply with sprayer
Systemic: Dizzinon, Fentitrothin, HCH, Primicarb, give longer protection for 1 or 2 weeks. Highly selective, kill rapidly, and does not affect other predators. Applied as a drench.

Biological Control

Vaerticillium lecanii are used to control aphis on chrysanth, peach and plum successfully. This is a fungal insecticide. This is spot sprayed, applied in moist conditions, early in spring so it is established, in low light levels. Bacillius thuringiensis bacteria also usefull

Stage Vulnerable

Nymphs and overwintering adults.