Aphis gossypii / Myzus persicae / Aphis craccivora / others
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Damage Signs
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Organic Methods
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Chemical Options
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ID Tips
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FAQs
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Crops Affected
Updated February 2026
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Overview
Aphids are among the most ubiquitous and economically important insect pests worldwide. They damage crops through direct sap feeding, honeydew secretion (promoting sooty mold), and most critically through transmission of over 200 plant viruses. Key species include Myzus persicae (green peach aphid, vector of 100+ viruses), Aphis gossypii (cotton/melon aphid), and Aphis craccivora (cowpea aphid, vector of groundnut rosette virus).
Field Guide
Soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1-4 mm) that cluster on growing tips, leaf undersides, and stems. Most species are green, but can be yellow, black, pink, or brown. Two tube-like cornicles (siphunculi) project from the rear of the abdomen — diagnostic for aphids. Both winged and wingless forms exist, with wingless forms dominant in colonies.
Look for dense clusters of small soft-bodied insects on shoot tips and leaf undersides
Two cornicles (backward-pointing tubes) on the abdomen are diagnostic for aphids
Ants tending colonies are a strong indicator — ants farm aphids for honeydew
Winged aphids appear when colonies become crowded — they are dispersing to new plants
Cast white skins (exuviae) on leaves indicate active aphid colony nearby
Scouting Guide
Dense colonies of small soft-bodied insects on shoot tips and leaf undersides
Curled, distorted, or yellowed young leaves
Sticky honeydew on leaves with black sooty mold growing on it
Stunted plant growth when populations are high
Virus symptoms (mosaic, yellowing, stunting) appearing in fields — often the most damaging aphid impact
Biology
Most tropical aphids reproduce asexually (parthenogenesis), giving live birth to nymphs without mating. A single female produces 50-100 offspring. Nymphs mature in 7-10 days. Generation time as short as 7 days. Populations can explode from a few individuals to thousands within 2-3 weeks.
Pest Management
Strong water spray
Dislodge aphid colonies with a strong jet of water from a hose. Effective for small infestations on young plants. Repeat every 2-3 days.
Neem oil spray
Apply neem oil at 3-5 ml/L with a surfactant, targeting leaf undersides and shoot tips. Acts as repellent, feeding deterrent, and disrupts reproduction.
Soap spray
Mix 5 ml liquid soap (not detergent) per liter water. Spray directly on aphids — soap disrupts their waxy coating, causing desiccation. Must contact aphids directly.
Conserve natural enemies
Ladybird beetles, lacewings, hoverfly larvae, and parasitoid wasps (Aphidius spp.) are voracious aphid predators. Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides to protect these beneficials.
Use as last resort. Follow label instructions. Wear protective equipment.
Imidacloprid seed treatment
Seed treatment with imidacloprid provides systemic aphid protection for 3-4 weeks after germination — critical for vector-borne virus management.
Acetamiprid (Mospilan 20SP)
Apply at 0.5 g/L targeting aphid colonies. Systemic and translaminar. Lower bee toxicity than some neonicotinoids.
Pirimicarb (Pirimor 50DG)
Apply at 0.5 g/L. Selective aphicide — kills aphids but is relatively safe for ladybirds, lacewings, and parasitoid wasps. The preferred choice when beneficials are present.
Host Range
Aphids can attack 9 crop species.
Common Questions
Aphids transmit many viruses 'non-persistently' — acquiring virus on their mouthparts during a brief probe of an infected plant and transmitting it within seconds on the next plant. This means insecticides cannot kill the aphid fast enough to prevent transmission. For persistently-transmitted viruses, aphids retain virus for their entire life, continuously spreading it.
Only if natural enemies are absent and populations exceed economic thresholds. In many cases, ladybird beetles, lacewings, and parasitoid wasps control aphid populations naturally if broad-spectrum insecticides are avoided. Selective aphicides (pirimicarb) or insecticidal soap are preferred over broad-spectrum products to preserve these natural enemies.
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