Aphids

Overview

Aphids multiply rapidly on soft growth and can cause distortion, honeydew, and virus spread.

Symptoms

• Leaf curl / distortion
• Sticky honeydew / sooty mould
• Colonies on shoots/undersides

Conditions that increase risk

• Spring flush
• Soft, nitrogen-rich growth

Biological control options

• Aphidius colemani
• Aphidius ervi
• Chrysoperla carnea
• Adalia bipunctata

IPM notes

• Monitoring & thresholds
• Avoid disruption: Avoid Broad Spectrum Sprays

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Further guidance

• Aphids — Biocontrol Foundations

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Key UK aphid species

• Aphids — UK Commercial Species Index

Key natural enemies

• Aphidius colemani
• Aphidius ervi
• Adalia bipunctata
• Chrysoperla carnea

Environmental drivers

• Rapid build-up in mild to warm conditions when plants are pushing soft growth.
• Plant stress (e.g., heat/water stress) can increase susceptibility and reduce tolerance.
• Natural enemy activity can lag behind aphid growth during fast crop flushes.