You are here: PFRA Online > Shelterbelt Centre > Publications
Shelterbelt Centre Pest Leaflets
Aphids
Hosts: All trees and shrubs.
Appearance and Life History:
Aphids, commonly known as plant lice
are small, pear-shaped, fragile insects.
They can be black, red, green, yellow
or colorless, with some species being
covered with long, white, waxy
threads. Aphids may be winged or
wingless and measure 1 to 3 mm in
length. They can usually be identified
by a pair of short, tube-like projections
near the rear of the abdomen. Aphids
have long antennae and slender legs
and are equipped with
piercing/sucking mouthparts. The life
history of most aphids is complicated
with many variations and exceptions.
Damage: Aphids cause damage by
piercing the tender plant tissue and
drawing large quantities of plant sap.
They may be found feeding on any part
of the host including: the foliage, buds,
flowers, fruit, twigs and roots. They
often feed in groups. Aphids can cause
galls, curled leaves, swollen branches,
and
discolored or wilted leaves.
They usually do not cause
permanent damage to forest,
shade and ornamental trees.
Some aphids excrete excessive
amounts of a sticky substance
called honeydew. This
honeydew can be extremely
annoying when it is deposited
on sidewalks, cars and other
objects. Honeydew attracts
insects such as ants, bees, flies
and wasps, whose presence
may be the first sign of an aphid
infestation.
Control: Aphids have many
natural enemies including lady
beetles and birds. Weather
conditions such as heavy rains
or cold temperatures are major
factors in reducing aphid
populations. However, under
favorable conditions, aphid
populations can rapidly
increase and may require
chemical control. Insecticides
registered for control of aphids
include: malathion, diazinon,
dimethoate, permethrin and
pirimicarb. Before applying any
insecticide check for predators,
the amount of aphid damage and
make sure the insecticide is not
toxic to the plant.
For more information contact:
PFRA Shelterbelt Centre
Indian Head, Sask. S0G 2K0
Phone: (306) 695-2284 or Fax: (306) 695-2568
|
