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Aphids
Can Attack Home, Garden and Landscape Plants
Aphids,
sometimes called “plant lice,” are one of the most common insects
that can attack home, garden and landscape plants according to Gaylord
Moore, horticulture specialist, Aphids
tend to cluster on the new growth of roses, perennials and other plants.
They are small, soft-bodied insects, usually 1/8 inch or less in size,
with long legs and antennae. They are usually wingless and their body
color can vary from green, pink, yellow, tan, gray, white or black. According
to “Aphids tend to congregate on new plant growth in
the spring and curled, distorted or puckered leaves are usually a good
indicator that aphids are present,” said Aphids
damage plants by piercing the leaves, stems and flowers and sucking sap
and other fluids, weakening plants and leaving them discolored and
stunted. Perhaps
the greatest injury that aphids cause is disease transmission. Dozens of
viral diseases of vegetables, flowers and berry crops are spread by
aphids. “The
effects of viral diseases can be devastating to the plant and the only
effective control of virus-infected plants is disposal of the plant
material,” said There
are several options for getting rid of Aphids. Since aphids have many
natural enemies that successfully attack them and provide effective
control such as Lady beetle larvae and adults and various parasitic
wasps. Other predators include lacewings, syrphid flies and assassin
bugs. “Heavy
aphid infestations may be controlled with minimal effects on the
predacious insects by using insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils,”
said He
recommends not applying insecticidal soaps or horticulture oils in
direct sunlight because they can have phytotoxic effects on the plant.
“For
the home gardener the use of synthetic insecticides should be a last
resort to encourage predator build up,” said Good
plant coverage with any applied material is essential for aphid control.
The undersides of leaves are a favorite feeding area and hiding place
for aphids. Too, repeated applications of spray materials may be
required. For
more information, or answers to your specific lawn and garden questions,
contact Gaylord Moore, horticulture specialist, University of Missouri
Extension or the Greene County Master Gardener Hotline at (417)
862-9284.
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