Aphid

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What is an Aphid?

Aphids are a group of sap-sucking, soft-bodied insects that are about the size of a pinhead. Most species of aphids have a pair of tubelike projections (cornicles) on the abdomen. It can be serious plant pests and may stunt plant growth, produce plant galls, transmit plant virus diseases, and cause the deformation of leaves, buds, and flowers. 

Scientific Name: Greenidia artocarpi 

Life Cycle-

Eggs- Eggs are white in colour and laid along the veins of leaves.

Nymphs- There are four nymphal stages. The general appearance of each stage is similar except for increase in size during subsequent instars. The nymphal stages last 1-7 days.

Adults- Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects that have a pair of cornicles (wax-secreting tubes) projecting out from the fifth or sixth abdominal segment. Wingless, female, aphids are yellowish green, grey green or olive green with a white waxy bloom covering the body. The winged, female, adult aphids have a dusky green abdomen with dark lateral stripes separating the body segments and dusky wing veins. Male aphids are olive-green to brown in colour.

How does Aphids damage?

  • Nymphs and adults both suck the sap from new leaves, tender twigs and fruits.
  • They feed as a colony and severe damage results in downwards curling and shrivelling of affected parts which dries up finally.
  • In some cases, galls may also form on the leaves due to the feeding injury.

How to manage Aphids?

Cultural MethodChemical Control
Collection and destruction of infected plant parts.Foliar application: Prophenophos 50% EC @1 ml/litre.Fipronil 5% SC @ 0.5 ml/litre.Imidachloropid 17.8% SL @0.5 ml/litre.Acephate 75% SP @1g/litre.

References-