Aphids

Small, highly destructive pest of indoor/outdoor crops. Rapid population growth in spring/summer. Four key aphid species. Capable of transmitting over 70 viruses.

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Characteristics

  • Four most economically important aphid species in greenhouse crops - cotton aphid Aphis gossypii, green peach aphid Myzus persicae, potato aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae and foxglove aphid Aulacorthum solani
  • Pests are soft bodied and vary in colour, depending on species
  • Noticeable tubercles and long antennae on head
  • Large, pronounced mouthparts (stylets)
  • Pair of abdominal tubes (cornicles) and rectal protrusion (cauda)
  • Long thin legs with two small claws
  • Most aphids are wingless – winged offspring produced when host plant quality is low and pest population high
  • Winged aphids search for new plants to start new colonies

    Life cycle

  • Fast population growth – in spring / summer female aphids are asexual, giving birth to up to 100 live offspring
  • Ability to telescope generations – mothers give birth to daughters that already contain their grandchildren 
  • Autumn – aphids switch from host plant and reproduce sexually. If conditions allow, aphids can continue to reproduce asexually throughout winter
  • Hibernate as eggs

Damage caused

  • Adults/ nymphs suck plant sap – extracting nutrients, reducing plant growth and causing leaf deformation/wilting
  • Leaves and fruits become sticky – due to excreted honeydew
  • Unsightly sooty mold – grows on honeydew and impacts photosynthesis
  • Deformed plant growing tips – caused by toxic substances transmitted in saliva
  • Can spread over 70 viruses – including CMV
  • Some ant species have mutualistic relationship with aphids – consuming honeydew while protecting them against predators
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