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Aphids
Mary Small
Extension Agent, UIP
Jefferson County
Click photo to enlarge
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, 1/8" to
3/8" pear-shaped insects of various colors. Aphids damage plants by sucking
sap from them.
Malformation of plant parts, curling leaves, a
shiny, sticky substance on leaves, stems and objects underneath the affected
plants are indicators that aphids are present. Aphids usually congregate on
young, tender, succulent tissue because it’s easy for them to pierce with
their sucking mouthparts.
To deter aphids, avoid practices that encourage
the development of such growth, such as improper pruning, over-fertilization and
over-watering. Soap sprays and horticultural oils are effective in managing
aphids; always follow label directions. Aphids can also be hosed off with a
strong spray of water. Control of leaf curling aphids is more difficult as the
insects are protected within the folds of the leaf curl. Insecticides with
systemic activity are often the only effective treatments after leaf curling has
begun. These treatments are not registered for use on edible crops, such as
fruits and vegetables.
Aphids are a good food source for predators such
as ladybugs, lacewings and syrphid flies. Small throated flowers help attract
adult forms of predator insects to the garden. Many examples of such plants are
in the aster and dill family. A few examples are dill, daisy, yarrow, marigold
and zinnia.
Click photo to enlarge
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