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Greenhouse Updates: Mar 2, 2015

Aphids
March 2, 2015

Aphids (foxglove and green peach and melon) are being found on the usual suspects such as fuchsia, greens and vegetative cuttings.  While aphids generally have more offspring and develop faster at warmer temperatures, foxglove aphids are a problem during cooler temperatures, 50-77°F, and are most likely a problem in spring production, so it is important to be on the lookout and monitor your crop regularly. Look for signs of aphids, such as white cast skins on the leaves, honeydew, and curled, deformed leaves, and be sure to check the underside of leaves.

Foxglove aphids (photos) tend to cause more leaf distortion than some other aphids. Foxglove aphids have black lines on the legs and antennae and dark green spots at the rear of their body which distinguishes them from green peach aphids.
Aphidius ervi has been used by some growers against foxglove and potato aphid. Beauveria bassiana (Mycotrol O) is also being used. This entomopathegenic fungi generally works better under high humidity situations (i.e. 2-3 days over 90%).

Cyantraniliprole (Mainspring) (MOA 2) is a new translaminar and systemic (non-neonicotinoid) pesticide listed for aphids. Insects stop feeding and become paralyzed after ingestion. It is best used as a preventative. Another new material listed for aphids is the microbial insecticide, Chromobacterium substsugae strain PRAA4-1 (Grandevo PTO). Grandevo is a contact insecticide and works primarily as a stomach poison, so it must be ingested to be effective. Grandeveo is more effective on newly hatch larvae and nymph stages.

For a list of products to manage aphids, see the New England Pest Management Guide (ordering info) or greenhousepestguide (UMass and UConn web-based app).

Articles: Time to Think About Aphids - Again and Outfoxing Foxglove Aphid,  Dan Gilrein, Cornell Cooperative Extension

Tina Smith, UMass Extension and Leanne Pundt, UConn Extension