Aphid , the giant aphid damage to crops and its effective control

The giant bark/ trunk  aphid is the largest aphid in Gilgit Baltistan. They mainly attacked pear plants . Natural enemies, such as lady beetles, played an important role in controlling aphid populations. During winter months when temperatures are cold, predator and parasite insects are not very active, and this may be the reason aphid populations became so large As aphids feed, they excrete a sticky, clear liquid and plants underneath plants where aphids are feeding.  A gray-black, sooty mold soon begins to grow on the sugar-rich honeydew, and it not only blocks sunlight and disrupts photosynthesis, but it can damage the finish on cars, chairs, tables or other objects.

Preventing and Managing Aphid Infestations Click here

Aphids are tiny pear-shaped, soft-bodied insects that suck the juices out of leaves, stems and tender plants– though some species attack lettuce roots and the woody parts of apple tree roots and limbs. Aphids can be green, brown, golden, orange, red, white, grey or black.

Aphids like to feed in dense clusters and do not move rapidly when disturbed. Although generally wingless, when aphids become too crowded or stressed, some will grow wings and fly to colonize new plants.

There are at least 4,000 aphid species, and almost every plant will attract aphid pests. Although aphid species are difficult to distinguish from one another, management is similar for most.

Aphids are often found under curled leaves, where they hide from their natural predators.

Damage

Aphids are well known for their ability to quickly colonize your prized plants. Their thick clusters and sticky honeydew are not only unsightly; aphids can transmit plant viruses and cause serious damage to your garden as their population size increases.

Large numbers of aphids can weaken sensitive seedlings and cause leaf stunting, yellowing and curling on mature plants.

Aphids excrete large quantities of sticky honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold and attracts ants.

Aphids can transmit plant viruses, inject toxins into plants that distort growth and cause gall formations.

Many species of aphids cause the greatest damage when temperatures are warm but not hot (65-80°F), typically in late spring.

Biological Control

Natural enemies are organisms that work to reduce the numbers of another organism through predation, parasitism and other means. The most important tools for aphid management are natural enemies that prey on aphids, such as lady beetles, lacewings, syrphid flies, soldier beetles and small parasitic wasps. Follow the steps below to attract them to your yard by providing suitable habitat, a source of water, and a variety of flowering plants. Flowers provide the nectar; pollen and shelter natural enemies need thrive and support their complete life cycle. The effective control can be done by Click These valuable insects provide the best control when aphid populations are high and can reduce the likelihood of an infestation if they are present in your garden early on.

Insect Predators:  Soldier beetles, lady beetles, lacewings and syrphid flies prey on aphids, so keep an eye out for  them when inspecting your plants and allow them to do their work and Click

Parasitoids:  Small wasps that lay their eggs inside of aphids are among their most important natural enemies. A parasitized aphid becomes brittle and golden brown as it turns into a form called a mummy. Most parasitoids reproduce rapidly when the weather is warm, so when you begin to see mummies on your plants, the aphid population is likely to drop dramatically within a week or two.

Pathogens:  Fungal diseases can kill whole aphid colonies when the weather is humid. Look for aphids that are off-color (reddish or brown) and have a fuzzy/shriveled texture. Disease-killed aphids may also appear bloated or flattened.

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