South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline: Aphid Populations Low

Web AdminFlorida, Pests

Aphid populations remain low across southern Florida, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline.

Aphid Populations
Graphic courtesy of South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline

Pressure is low to moderate across Southwest Florida in various crops. With the ongoing dry weather, populations should continue to increase.

Aphid pressure is moderate overall on beans in the Everglades Agricultural Area and will continue to increase amid the current dry spell.

Aphids are mostly low in peppers, corn and beans along the east coast. Increasing aphid numbers have also been reported on brassica crops in Homestead, Florida.

The green peach aphid infests vegetables and can be transported by wind and storms. It feeds on numerous host plants in more than 40 plant families. If it is not controlled or managed in a timely fashion, the green peach aphid can cause water stress, wilting and reduced growth of a plant. Prolonged infestations can reduce yields of root and foliage crops.

Scouting is essential, as development can be very quick, often 10 to 12 days, for a complete generation. More than 20 generations may occur every year in regions with milder climates.

Producers should avoid excessive and unnecessary use of insecticides. Sulfoxflor is the best insecticide to control green peach aphid, though nicotinoids like Admire, Provado and Assail can also be utilized.