Insect Pests of Fruit, Plantation, Medicinal & Aromatic Crops (2+1)

2. Aphids -Aphis gossypii Glover. (Aphididae: Hemiptera)

Damage

• It is a potential pest on cotton infesting tender shoots and under surface of the leaves.
• They occur in large numbers suck the sap and cause stunted growth, gradual drying and result in death of the plants.
• Development of black sooty mould due to the excretion of honey dew giving the plant a dark appearance. Being a polyphagous pest, it is recoreded in brinjal, bhendi, chillies,guava and gingelly. Curling and crinkling of leaves are typical symptoms.
Bionomics

• Yellowish or greenish brown nymphs found on the under surface of leaves.
• They are often attended by ants for the sweet honey dew secretion.
• Winged forms may be seen under crowded conditions.
Management

• Spray monocrotophos 36 WSC at 1.5ml / litre or dimethoate 30 EC at 1.7 ml / litre of water.