Aphids
Attacks:
All tree species
What you will see:
- Extracts of the aphid ‘Honeydew’, (clear drops & sticky)
- Stunted, shriveled, or curled leaves Many species are green, but may be white, yellow, brown, red, black, or mottled
Life cycle:
- Overwinter as eggs on bark and needles of host plants
- In April and May, the eggs begin to hatch
- Several generations occur throughout the year
- As the colonies grow, winged forms may be produced, some species may lay eggs in the fall
Cultural practices:
- Plant flowers to provide nectar sources for aphid predators & parasites: Lady beetles, green lacewings, hover flies, and parasitic wasps Conserve natural enemies: Do not treat until aphid populations are out of natural control (exploding)
Chemical practices:
- Aphids are susceptible to both systemic and topical insecticides