Pests

Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects with long legs and characteristic cornicles at the rear end of their oval-shaped body. Depending on the species, they are about 1–2 mm in length when fully developed. Generally, aphids are wingless but under high density conditions, or when aphids are dispersing, winged aphids (“alates”) can be observed.

Aphids are often found in colonies of at least one adult female and her offspring, lining a plant stem or growing point or on the underside of leaves. Immature aphids are essentially smaller versions of adult aphids. 

Adults vary in colour, not only among species but also within species, from different shades of green through to yellow, pink-red or brown and black. Identification of the most commonly found aphid species in greenhouse crops can be done with a hand lens, but observation of some features is only possible under high magnification.

Identification of the aphid species is very important to determine the best control option. Since different colour morphs exist within species, colour is typically not a good diagnostic characteristic.

Use the key below to identify common aphid pest species in Canada / Ontario:

This key is designed to be used for wingless adults. Winged adults and nymphs may not share these diagnostic characteristics

1. The antennae are shorter than or equal to the length of the body (go to 2)

or

The antennae are longer than the length of the body (go to 3)

2. Cornicles the same or similar colour as the body, forehead between antennae indented (Green Peach Aphid)

or

Cornicles darker than the body, forehead between antennae smooth, not indented (Melon Aphid)

3. Cornicles black, aphid found only on chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum aphid)

or

Cornicles the same colour as the body, sometimes darkened at the tips (go to 4)

4. Cauda long and pointed, extending as long as or past the cornicles (Potato aphid)

or

Cauda shorter than cornicles, darker patches on body at the base of the cornicles (Foxglove aphid)

5. If you have found an aphid that is not described as above, speak with an IPM extension specialist to have it identified.

• Green peach aphid, Myzus persicae

Shorter legs, antennae shorter than body. Green, yellow or pink-red. Cornicles same colour as body with dark tips

• Cotton/melon aphid, Aphis gossypii

Shorter legs, antennae shorter than body, dark cornicles. Green or yellow, dark morphs larger than light morphs

• Foxglove aphid, Aulacorthum solani

Long legs, antennae as long as body or longer, dark green spots at base of cornicles, dark bands at joints of legs and antennae. Green.

• Potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae

Long legs, antennae as long as body or longer, elongated body, long cauda and cornicles. Green or pink.

• Chrysanthemum aphid, Macrosiphoniella sanborni

Dark aphid, colonies typically lining chrysanthemum stems, Chrysanthemum only known NA host, adults 1.5mm long, cornicles black, adults dark brown to black, nymphs dull brick-red.

Other notable aphids  (not included in key):

• Lettuce aphid, Nasonovia ribisnigri

Looks like green peach aphid but with dark bands at joints of legs and antennae. Green, orange or pink, adults may have black marks on abdomen. Cornicles pale with dark tips, as long as or longer than cauda.

• Bird cherry oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi

This is the aphid species commonly used on banker plants.  It is found only on monocots such as grasses. Antennae as long as body or a bit shorter, adults frequently have an orange or brown patch around the base of the cornicles. Colour is orange green to dark olive green.

Aphid populations can explode quickly, so frequent scouting and early detection is key to successful control.

Inspect the crop regularly, checking the undersides of leaves and plant stems. Look for the aphids themselves as well as cast skins, honeydew, and stunted plant growth. Aphids often prefer young foliage. In hot weather, some aphids, like foxglove aphids, will collect under leaves at the soil surface, making them easy to overlook.

Only winged aphids can be found on yellow sticky cards. Although you may catch some while they are dispersing, this is not a good indicator of infestation levels in the crop.

Take note of preferred plant varieties; this information can be used in the future to concentrate more scouting effort and preventative releases of bios where they are most likely to appear first.

Inspect all incoming plant material for aphids and other pests.

Maintain good weed control both inside and outside the greenhouse.

Avoid over-fertilizing the crop; high nitrogen levels in plant material may encourage aphid population growth.

Keep ants under control. Although ants themselves may not be a pest, they can undermine your aphid biocontrol program. Ants feed on the honeydew that aphids excrete, and they will protect their “flock” of aphids from attacking predators and parasitoids.

Screen vents to prevent winged aphids from flying into your greenhouse from the surrounding area.  If vents are not screened, setting up a large number of sticky cards or tape near vents and other entry points can catch dispersing winged aphids as they enter the greenhouse, as well as many other flying pests such as thrips and whiteflies.

If aphid densities are very high on a small number of plants, the best strategy is often to discard the heavily infested plants entirely and use biological or chemical control to manage any remaining small populations.

In North America, there are currently a number of commercially available biological control agents for aphids. Parasitoids can do an excellent job of keeping aphid numbers down, but they are very specific about which species they control. Make sure you have the correct pest identification so you can select the right parasitoid for the job. Predators, on the other hand, are not picky and will be effective against all species of aphids, and some may also feed on other pests in your greenhouse as well.

Parasitoids:

• Aphelinus abdominalis
• Aphidius colemani
• Aphidius ervi
• Aphidius marticariae

Predators:

• Aphidoletes aphidimyza
• Lacewings (Chrysoperla carnea, C. rufilabris)
• Lady beetles

Biopesticides:

• Beauvaria bassiana (Botanigard)

Research on new biocontrol agents:

Metarhizium anisopliae 

• Not yet labelled for use against aphids in Canada, Metarhizium anisopliae strains have demonstrated efficacy against aphids in research trials (Jandricic et al 2014)

As with other pests, aphids could develop pesticide resistance. Melon and green peach aphids are well known to develop resistance to pesticides for some of their clones. Red morphs of the green peach aphid are sometimes associated with higher pesticide resistance, but this is not always the case.

Caution should be used when making the decision whether or not to use pesticides in your crop. Judicious use of pesticides must be used in conjunction with a regular monitoring program, using action thresholds, rotating chemical classes, and at the same time, making use of all available control strategies.

Foxglove aphid’s habit of hanging out under leaves at the soil surface make them more challenging to control with sprays where direct contact is necessary.

While some aphids may be more susceptible to pesticides, so are the biocontrol agents used to keep your greenhouse clean. Before deciding to spray, consider the effects it will have not only the biocontrol agents that you are using against aphids, but also those that are controlling other pests such as thrips or whiteflies. If possible, consider using a biopesticide that will have a less negative impact on your biocontrol program. Discuss pesticide compatibility with your biocontrol supplier, or refer to the side effects manuals listed on the Koppert and Biobest websites.

If using pesticides to control aphids, ensure that they are registered for that use in your country and follow label directions