Potato Aphid
Scientific group or name: Macrosiphum euphorbiae
Overview
Potato aphid is a relatively large, long-legged aphid that may be green or pink.
Host plants
Potato, tomato, lettuce, ornamentals and many protected crops.
Identification
Adults have an elongated body, long legs, antennae and cornicles. Colonies are often looser than those of smaller aphid species.
Damage and symptoms
Feeding causes reduced vigour, distortion and honeydew contamination. It can also transmit plant viruses.
Lifecycle and favourable conditions
Protected cropping and mild conditions allow populations to persist and spread.
Monitoring
Inspect stems, shoot tips and leaf undersides. Use traps to detect incoming winged adults.
Management
Maintain weed hygiene, remove hotspots promptly and avoid practices that destroy parasitoids and predators.
Biological control and natural enemies
Aphidius ervi is commonly associated with larger aphids. Aphidoletes and generalist predators can support control.
Biological control should be selected only after the pest has been identified and the crop, temperature, growing environment and pest pressure have been considered.
Related BioWiki pages
This page provides general integrated pest-management information. Identification and control decisions should be confirmed for the crop and local situation.