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Aphids Aphids are soft bodied, sap feeding insects 1/32- 1/8 in (2-3 mm) long and are sometimes called greenfly or blackfly. They maybe winged or non-winged with long legs and antennae and prominent tube like bodies. Body color is red, orange ,yellow, green brown or black In ideal conditions females can reproduce when only a week old allowing to build up rapidly. Susceptible Plants- Most plants may be attacked by aphid. Many aphids species are plant-specific such as the lupin or potato aphid. Some will attack hundreds of different species of plants. They may spend an entire summer on one type of plant before moving to a different host during the winter. Symptoms- Tender young growth is most prone to attack but aphids will colonize stems, leaves and even roots. Heavy infestation can kill a plant. Leaves and shoots become covered with a sticky substance produced by aphids called honeydew. Black sooty molds grow on the honeydew inhibiting photosynthesis and spoiling the appearance. Some plants will wilt. Aphids transmit viruses.
Biological Controls- Aphidius and Aphid Predators need to be used at a minimum temp of 50f or 10c and at least two hours 64f or 18c everyday to be effective. Lacewing larvae are ideal trouble shooters when an aphid infestation has gotten out of control. Use them to reduce the aphid population to manageable levels before introducing other controls. Ladybugs Pesticide sprays- Insecticidal soap, pyrethrin, canola oil and Garden Dust
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