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Aphids (various species)

Description

Aphids are tiny insects up to 5 mm long, in rare cases more. At its core, phytophagous, that is, organisms that feed on plants. But despite their small size, they pose a great threat to plants. If you delve into entomology, then each species has winged and wingless forms. One form is responsible for reproduction, the other for distribution. They feed on the juices of plants, at the same time releasing the pad, in which various fungi and microorganisms are appeared and multiply.  That negatively affects the development of the plant. Aphids multiply at an incredible rate. Within a month, about 3 generations may appear from one individual, which will number hundreds of thousands of representatives of the species. They are common in open ground and greenhouses.

Harm

The danger of aphids also lies in the fact that by drinking the juices of the plant, it provokes a decrease in fertility, and sometimes the death of the culture. One of the tricks of aphids is the folding of a plant leaf. The aphid hides in its bends, which prevents it from being detected and destroyed.

Ants are aphids’ helpers

The main carriers of aphids are ants. Aphids secrete sweet honeydew, which attracts ants and is part of their diet. It turns out, a kind of deal in the circle of insects. Aphids feed the ants, and the ants, in turn, provide transportation services, in some cases protection and shelter, taking them to the anthills for the winter. Therefore, in the fight against aphids, it is necessary to take into account the factor of ants.

Main types

Despite the fact that there are about 5 thousand species of aphids, 20% of which live in Europe, the most widespread and known to us are

Gall aphid (Pemphigus spyrothecae)

Leaf aphid is a big fan of currant bushes. It is called Gall because it causes pathological formations on the leaf called “galls”. They are formed due to the fact that aphids suck out the juices of the plant, weakening it and provoking the creation of new tissues. With the inaction of the farmer, the growth of the aphid population simply destroys the plant.

Bean aphid (Aphis fabae)

Beet aphids, despite the name, are polyphagous, but they have priorities in nutrition, which is again evidenced by the name. Like other members of the family, it sucks the juices of plants and is a vector of beet diseases.

Melon aphid (Aphis gossypii)

It is a pest for more than 300 plant species. They settle on the youngest leaves and shoots, destroying them in the process of vital activity. Favourite crops are cucumber and melons.

Cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae)

Pest of cruciferous crops, settles on the lower part of a leaf, shoot or stem. Plants affected by aphids are suspended in growth, their leaves are deformed, twisted, acquiring the shape of a dome.

Grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae)

European vineyards learned of its existence at the end of the 19th century, when it was brought from North America. A small insect, about 1 mm long, infected almost all the vineyards of France. It is still a dangerous pest, but since then there have been a lot of ways to deal with it.

Rose aphid (Macrosiphum rosae)

Pink aphids damage the aesthetic appearance of rose bushes, distorting flowers and foliage, as well as forming a sticky pad, often providing a surface on which soot mould develops.

Green apple aphid (Aphis pomi)

Causes great harm to young gardens, mercilessly damaging fruit trees. Symptoms of an infected tree include twisted and withered leaves. Shoots are delayed in growth and covered with honeydew, are subject to diseases.

Green peach aphid (Myzus persicae)

Maximum damage is caused to apricot, peach and tobacco trees. It devours potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, cabbage, aubergine, cucumber, watermelon, carrots, beets, sunflower, cotton, radishes, cherries, apple trees, plums and many other plants. It has more than two hundred secondary hosts.

Aphid control

The fight against aphids is always difficult. The rapid cycle of development and high fertility of females, in a short time, significantly increases the population of the colony. But considering that it is difficult to even come up with a culture that is not subject to aphid attack, it is simply necessary to defend yourself. As practice shows, the use of chemicals in the fight against this pest requires repeated repetition to solve the problem. As a result, it will be difficult to vouch for the quality of the crop and its benefits after its use.

Of the harmless ways, it is possible to note the natural enemies of aphids — ladybirds, ground beetles, predatory bugs. Very effective types of parasitic wasps are: