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Aphids
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| Aphids are small at 1/10"-1/8", and have pear shaped, soft bodies. They can be green, yellow, red, black, gray and some are covered with a white waxy substance that makes them look fuzzy. Aphids suck the sap from plants. Some aphids transmit plant diseases, particularly viruses, while feeding. |
 Aphids |
Aphid infestation symptoms: 1 - Leaf curl and leaf deformities 2 - Wilting 3 - Stunted growth 4 - Deformed seedpods and fruit 5 - Sticky substance on plants that turns dark with mold. 6 - Ants crawling all over your plants. This could be a sign of the presence of Aphids or it might be a warning sign of Aphid troubles ahead. Get rid of the ants! |
| More about Aphids: | |
| 1 - Eggs hatched in the Spring are always female. Females produce live young continuously. Fall's cooler weather produces a few males who mate with females to produce eggs that will hatch the following Spring. 2 - Many kinds of Aphids leave behind a sticky substance known as "honeydew". The honeydew molds and turns black and disrupts normal leaf photosynthesis. 3 - Ants love the honeydew that Aphids produce. Ants "farm" Aphids like little cattle and they protect their Aphid herds from predators. Ants move their herds to the ant colony for the winter. 4 - Water is usually sufficient to remove Aphids from your plants and once they are knocked off of the plant they will not crawl back up. The ants are known to pick the Aphids up and carry them back to where they were. 5 - Some Aphids develop wings when populations become overcrowded, and they fly away. 6 - Aphids are attracted to the yellow-green color of unhealthy plants! |
 Ants and Aphids |
| Aphid Predators: Lady Bugs, Praying Mantids, Green Lacewings, cryptolaemus, Braconid Wasps |
Plants that repel Aphids: Garlic, Chives, Anise, Coriander |
| The best Aphid prevention is to keep your plants healthy, well fed and vigorous! |
| Helpful Links: | http://www.laters.com/insects/aphids.htm http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/dp_hfrr/extensn/problems/aphids.htm http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/entomology/factsheets/gaphids.html |
| Disclaimer: While the information at this Web site is believed to be true and accurate, the American Brugmansia & Datura Society and the authors cannot accept any legal responsibility for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The American Brugmansia & Datura Society makes no warranty, expressed or implied with respect to the material contained herein. You must request written permission from ABADS Board of Directors in order to copy and publish any part of this website. |
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