Aphids: main species and control in crops

If you have problems with pests on your plantation, learn now about the main species of aphids and how you can control them on your farm!

Did you know that an aphid infestation can reduce soybean production by up to 40%? These insects, called aphids, can destroy important crops.

It is crucial to know the species and how to control them to protect crops.

The aphid is feared for its rapid reproduction. Females can lay up to 70 eggs in a life cycle that varies from 15 to 25 days.

This makes the aphids multiply rapidly, causing great damage.

The presence of aphids affects both the quantity and quality of crops.

For example, in wheat, it is necessary to control if more than 10% of the plants have aphids.

For species such as Aphis gossypii on cotton, several chemical groups are recommended.

For one integrated pest management effective, it is important to use innovative strategies.

This article will explore the best ways to identify, understand, and control aphids.

This way, you can ensure the health and productivity of your crops.

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Introduction to Aphids

Aphids are small insects that feed on plant sap.

They insert toxins and transmit viruses, causing damage. They are one of the main agricultural pests faced by producers around the world.

The green aphid (Schizaphis graminum) is a key pest in sorghum crops.

The corn aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis) causes damage under specific conditions.

They have an incredible reproductive capacity, affecting crops such as fruits and vegetables.

Aphids damage plants by sucking sap and causing them to malform.

They also secrete substances that facilitate the growth of harmful fungi. This impairs photosynthesis and plant development.

THE sustainable agriculture seeks control methods to reduce these impacts.

Includes the use of biological products and the conservation of natural enemies.

Integrated management strategies pest control is also recommended to control pest populations. aphids.

How to identify aphids: morphological characteristics

Identifying pests is essential for crop health. Understanding the morphology of agricultural insects, like aphids, is an important step.

The aphid has a small, elongated body with no clear line between the head and thorax.

Their colors vary and can be yellow, green, black or red.

They measure between 0.58 mm and 3.3 mm, depending on the species. Aphids have dark legs, antennae and siphunculi. Some have wings.

Nymphs are smaller and lighter than adults.

See below a table with characteristics of aphids in different crops:

Correctly identify pests and understand their morphology of agricultural insects are essential. This helps to control and protect crops.

By knowing each species well, farmers can use more effective strategies.

This helps reduce production losses, which can reach 40% due to pests and diseases.

Biological cycle of aphids

The biological cycle of aphids is fascinating and crucial to understanding and controlling this pest.

In ideal conditions, between 25 and 27ºC, the aphid life cycle lasts around 15 days.

THE aphid reproduction, whether sexual or asexual, helps in this process.

Asexual reproduction, or parthenogenesis, is more common in tropical climates.

It accelerates the life cycle of insects, as it only produces females.

A female can produce up to 80 new aphids, an average of four per day. This means that a female can produce up to 10 nymphs per day, causing a rapid infestation.

Sexual, or holocyclic, reproduction involves the fertilization of females.

This reproduction ensures greater genetic diversity, helping with resistance to adversity.

However, asexual reproduction is more common due to its speed.

See below a comparative table between the types of aphid reproduction:

Products such as Neem oil, found in Forth Defende, have residual action in controlling aphids.

In severe cases, Forth Insecticide, with deltamethrin, is used for more effective control.

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Aphids in crops and harvest

Aphids are small insects that can cause big problems in agriculture.

They range from 1.5 mm to 3 mm in size. They reproduce quickly, especially at temperatures between 25°C and 27°C.

They spread over large areas of crops. They reach plantations through contaminated plant material.

They attack the shoots first, especially in stressed plants.

Important agricultural crops are affected by aphids.

In soybeans, they can reduce production by up to 40%.

In corn, rapid reproduction leads to sterile or incomplete ears.

In cotton, sooty mold caused by aphids can reduce the quality of the product.

Aphid toxins accelerate leaf fall. This affects the harvest quality.

Controlling aphids is crucial to healthy crops.

Producers must use the Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This includes monitoring, biological and cultural control.

Chemical control must be done carefully to avoid resistance. Using homemade recipes, such as garlic, onion and water, helps in combating the disease.

This contributes to sustainable and quality production.

Damage caused to agricultural crops

You damage caused by pests how aphids are big in agriculture. Different species of aphid attack different crops.

And every year, the losses increase.

These sucking insects cause direct damage. They yellow, curl and deform the leaves. They also cause dwarfism in the shoots.

Other damage includes the formation of sooty mold. They also inject toxins into plants.

The table below shows some problematic aphid species and the damage they cause.

You damage to agriculture are worse because of the reproduction of aphids.

Each female can have 70 to 80 offspring in 20 days. Crops such as soybeans, corn and cotton are greatly affected, losing up to 40% of productivity.

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Main species of aphids

Identify the main species of aphids It is essential to combat pests in crops.

More than 1,500 species are known, but some cause severe damage.

Let's see what these common species are and their effects.

Myzus persicae and Myzus nicotianae are common in tobacco.

They cause damage such as leaf curling and weight loss.

THE Myzus persicae It is parthenogenetic, with oval females measuring 1 to 2 mm, ranging from green to pink or red.

Already the Myzus nicotianae is a severe pest in several crops, especially tobacco.

THE Aphis gossypii, or cotton aphid, ranges from 1 to 1.5 mm.

It affects not only cotton but also melons.

For other cultures, the Sitobion avenae, or ear aphid, and the corn aphid, which can measure up to 2.6 mm, are important. They live in large colonies.

THE green aphid (Myzus persicae) stands out for its parthenogenetic development.

It can reach 2 mm and is present in several crops.

How to control aphids in crops

To control aphids in crops, you need to use several strategies. Here are the most important methods:

First, it is important to use pest control methods preventive.

This includes removing crop residue and weeds. It is also helpful to use plants that are more resistant to aphids.

It is crucial to monitor the crop to see where the aphids are.

This makes it possible to apply treatments more effectively. A female aphid can quickly produce up to 80 new aphids.

THE sustainable crop management uses several techniques.

One example is biological control, which uses natural parasitoids.

Researchers at Purdue University show that the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is more effective than insecticides.

This helps prevent pest resistance and protects beneficial insects.

Chemical control is common because it is effective. But it is important to choose substances carefully so as not to harm natural enemies.

Using petroleum oil in control products can help against specific aphids.

Homemade solutions and mechanical control are also good for small populations.

This way, it is possible to keep the crop healthy.

Whenever possible, opt for sustainable and integrated methods. This ensures effective and sustainable pest control in crops.

Management of aphids as vectors of viruses

Many agricultural crops, such as tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, cucumbers and melons, suffer from virus transmission by aphids. These insects don't just suck the sap from plants.

They are also vectors of several viruses that can compromise the entire production.

To combat the virus transmission by aphids and keep your crops healthy, it is essential to adopt integrated management strategies.

Constant monitoring and early identification of infestations are fundamental steps.

They help decide on the application of insecticides and other control measures.

The use of preventive treatments, such as seed treatment and the cultivation of virus-resistant varieties, are integrated management strategies very effective.

Additionally, homemade solutions can be used to control aphids.

See some recipes and their ingredients in the table below:

In addition to chemical and biological control, growing plants that are attractive to ladybugs is a good practice.

Plants such as coriander, carrots and parsley are natural predators of aphids. They are part of the integrated management strategies.

Aphids such as Myzus persicae and Hyperomyzus lactucae are known to transmit several species of phytoviruses to lettuce.

They can transmit lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) and lettuce mottle virus (LeMoV).

In lettuce production, which in 2017 covered 91,172 hectares in Brazil, with a production of 1,701,872 tons, control of these vectors is crucial.

This helps mitigate economic losses and damages.

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Conclusion

Aphid control is a major challenge in agriculture. There are about 5,000 species worldwide, including 1,350 in North America.

It is crucial to understand their characteristics in order to use them. best management practices.

Universities like the University of California and the University of Wisconsin-Madison offer helpful research and resources.

Aphids not only suck sap from plants, but also spread serious diseases.

This can greatly reduce agricultural production. Biological control methods, such as natural predators and substances such as garlic and wormwood, are safe and sustainable.

Natural repellents, such as basil and sage, are also effective. Potassium soap is an environmentally friendly and safe option.

Preventing and managing aphids is critical.

Recognizing the species, understanding its biological cycle and using control measures are essential. Using resistant cultivars and acting quickly helps minimize damage.

These strategies promote more sustainable and productive agriculture.

This way, you will be better prepared to face these challenges and ensure the success of your harvests.