APHID magnified
Description
Tiny (1/16-1/8″) insect with soft body, long legs and antennae; corniclesor “tailpipes” on tip of abdomen; 250 species; reproduce quickly; attack new growth or underside of leaf
Infestation
Suck sap from plants and excrete a clear, sticky “honeydew” that often grows black, sooty fungus that blocks sunlight from leaves; feeding can stunt growth, deform and discolor leaves, or cause them to drop prematurely; usually attacks new growth; some aphids transmit plant diseases
Attack
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Bedding plants
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Crape myrtles
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Hibiscus
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Oaks
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Oleanders
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Pecans
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Roses
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Vegetables
They can help you figure it out…
Need help diagnosing a plant problem?
Call the Texas Agrilife Extension Service @ 854-9600 and ask for the master gardener desk or email them at travismg@ag.tamu.edu
Least-Toxic Solutions
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Monitor often for early detection and to determine if control is needed; natural predators may make treatment unnecessary
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For minor infestations, spray host plants with water at high pressure to dislodge aphids
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Introduce ladybugs or lacewings and other beneficial insects to your landscape after infestation has been identified – for best results follow release instructions carefully; best to release in an enclosed area
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Use sticky barriers to prevent ants from tending aphids and protecting them from natural predators
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Help control aphids with insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils
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Use a row cover to physically keep the aphids off vegetable crops while allowing air, light and water exchange
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Use natural or slow-release fertilizer to avoid excessive new growth
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Most aphids are host-plant specific and usually don’t move to other species
If You Must Use a Pesticide…
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Avoid systemic pesticides on vegetables and edible plants. Systemic pesticidesare taken up by the plant and make its tissues and fluids toxic to foliage- feeding insects
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Non-systemic pesticides must be applied to all infested plant surfaces forbest results, because they must come into direct contact with the insects
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Avoid applying broad spectrum pesticides -they destroy beneficial insects as well as pests and leave trees or shrubs unprotected if pests return
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Apply only to plants specified on the label -some formulations injure tender ornamental plants and new growth
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Mix according to directions and apply only recommended dosage
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Several pesticide applications may be needed for control at 7-10 day intervals, or as instructed by the product label
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Avoid overuse of chemicals – many pests have become resistant to certain pesticides
APHIDS and associated sooty mold
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Source:
http://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Watershed/growgreen/aphids.pdf
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Content and copyright permission generously granted by:
Austin Grow Green: www.growgreen.org, who works in close association with:
Texas AgriLife Extension Service: http://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu
Marjory Wildcraft is an Expedition Leader and Bioneer Blogger with The [Grow] Network, which is an online community that recognizes the wisdom of “homegrown food on every table.” Marjory has been featured as an expert on sustainable living by National Geographic, she is a speaker at Mother Earth News fairs, and is a returning guest on Coast to Coast AM. She is an author of several books, but is best known for her “Grow Your Own Groceries” video series, which is used by more than 300,000 homesteaders, survivalists, universities, and missionary organizations around the world.
