Control Aphids Using IPM

Posted by Scott Marzolf on

Control Aphids Using IPM

4 Types of Aphids Damage

  • Aphids (Hemiptera Aphidoidea) are a common greenhouse pest that causes damage in four ways. They feed by piercing and sucking plant sap decreasing plant vigor.
  •  During feeding, they act as vectors for plant viruses. They transmit up to 60% of all plant viruses worldwide. 
  • Aphids also excrete a sugary sap called "honeydew" that supports the growth of an unsightly black sooty mold. 
  • Aphids stunt growth and cause deformation and discoloration of leaves and buds.
  • Aphids Description

    There are many species of greenhouse aphids. They are small soft-bodied sap-sucking, sluggish insects usually around 1mm to 3 mm long. Aphids have long legs and antennae. They may be winged or wingless. Most types of aphids found in greenhouses do not mate. Aphids are prolific reproducers. During the warm days of spring and summer reproduction is asexual. Females give birth to live nymphs. Populations increase quickly with generations born every 7 to 14 days. It is usually easy to see infestations because they tend to colonize on the underside of leaves. Aphids molt four times before adulthood. Accumulated shredded or molted skin is left behind and visible. Aphids are often green but may also be white, black, brown or red.

    Aphids Control

    It's always a good idea to use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as a solution to most pest problems.  

  • Inspect all incoming plant material before letting it enter the greenhouse.
  • Scout bi-weekly using blue and yellow sticky traps and a hand lens.
  • Prune back infested plants.
  • Knock aphids off the plant with a strong spray of water.
  • Try using beneficial predatory insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps.
  • Use organic or reduced risk insecticides such as neem oil, spinosad, or pyrethrum.
  • Use an Ultra Low Volume (ULV) fogger for pesticide applications to reduce runoff and residue. This will assure total complete coverage in hard to reach areas. Always follow the label instructions and the Worker Protection Standard (WPS).

     

    Older Post

    2 comments

    Created on Posted by NSOCjeyhuBati

    uEslHfGS

    Created on Posted by lUSLQPwNmvdWfJ

    ECjNWrVFs


    Leave a Comment