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Potato Aphid

Practical biological control, IPM and environmental pest-management knowledge.


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Potato Aphid

Overview

Potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) is a relatively large aphid species associated with potatoes, tomatoes, ornamentals and protected crops.

It can cause feeding damage, honeydew contamination and may contribute to virus risk in some systems.

Identification

Typical features include:

  • relatively large aphid size
  • green or pinkish forms
  • long legs and antennae
  • colonies on young growth and leaf undersides

Crop symptoms

  • Leaf distortion
  • Honeydew
  • Sooty mould
  • Reduced vigour
  • Contamination of marketable crop

Host relevance

Important in:

  • potatoes
  • tomatoes
  • ornamentals
  • protected edible crops
  • nursery stock

IPM relevance

Potato aphid should be monitored as part of broader aphid IPM programmes, especially where protected crops support continued population growth.

Biological control relevance

Useful biological control may include:

Related pages