Aphids Phrorodon cannabis, Aphis gossypii, Myzus spp.

Key Features of Aphids: Successful control of aphids using biocontrol agents requires swift action and proper identification. Slow moving and easily crushed between two fingers, aphids are deceptive. They’re easy to kill...Right?

With their shockingly high reproductive rates, aphid populations can quickly get out hand if not properly understood and respected. If you choose to control aphids using biocontrols, there are two keys to success:

Start Early and Act Swiftly

Many of the commercially-available aphid predators take days or weeks to reduce aphid populations, which all happens while the aphids continue to reproduce, making existing issues difficult to handle. Trying to handle an outbreak that is already at crisis levels with biocontrols is not recommended. You need to start early!

Properly Identify the Aphid

Aphid parasitoids like Aphidius colemani only attack a few aphid species; they are ‘host specific’. Other aphid predators, such as Chrysoperla (lacewing larvae) and Aphidoletes aphidimyza, have a broad host range, feeding on dozens of different aphid species. So, when using host specific parasitoids like Aphidius it is critical that we match the species of aphid with the proper parasitoid.

Identification

There are over 5,000 known species of aphid in the world. Fortunately, only a handful of species are currently known to feed on cannabis. As cultivation of this plant expands, the list of aphids attacking it will also continue to expand.

Features used to Identify Aphids in the Field

• Head -The shape of the head in adult aphids is a key feature.
Cornicles/Siphunculi - Oftentimes referred to as the ‘tail-pipes’, the shape and color of the cornicles can be used to distinguish between species.
Antennae -The length of the antennae relative to the body, and its shape can be an important factor.

Life History

Aphids are built to survive, and their reproduction can be extremely complicated.
Most aphid reproduction happens via parthenogenesis; i.e. females do not need to mate with males in order to reproduce.
Females reproducing via parthenogenesis give birth to live young. This is known as vivipary.
Nymphs reproduced by this manner are clones of their mother.
Nymphs developing inside their mother may have their own embryos developing inside of them, giving rise to telescopic generations of aphids.
The newly born nymphs generally undergo 4 to 5 molts before reaching adulthood. Their shed skins are a very visual indication of aphid presence.
Occasionally, winged forms may develop. Known as alatae, these winged aphids are normally female and serve the purpose of spreading the colony.
Alatae may also appear in the autumn months, when outdoor aphid populations prepare for winter. Winged females (and sometimes winged) males mate, with the mated females laying eggs as a means to overwinter. In the spring, the process repeats itself.

Biology

Aphids have piercing/sucking mouthparts, which they use to feed on plant sap.
A large amount of the sap ingested by the aphids is expelled. This sugary waste-product is called ‘honeydew’.
The iconic cornicles on each aphid are used to excrete an 'alarm' pheromone, warning nearby aphids of danger.

I see Aphids, now what?...

As previously noted, the quickness with which you act will be the primary determining factor your success using biocontrols to control aphids and their damage. If the problem is too far gone, biocontrols are a poor choice. If you are catching the problem in the early stages, the next most important factor in your success is to properly identify which species you are dealing with. In general, the species of aphid will dictate the species of predator you choose.

I don't see any Aphids, but I'd like to act preventatively...

Although small populations of aphids are not typically a concern on their own, their propensity to reproduce quickly, and at extremely high rates, should not be underestimated. Prevention is the best way to ensure these pests never become an issue. In outdoor operations, during spring and late summer months, it is a good practice to introduce aphid predators preventatively. For example, low numbers of parasitic wasps and/or lacewing larvae can be released with the intention of nipping aphids in the bud, before they can increase to problem-levels.

Additional Notes

Ants will ‘farm’ aphids for their honeydew, oftentimes protecting the aphids from predators.
If ants are present, they must also be controlled in order for the biocontrol program to be successful.
Over-fertilization with nitrogen can increase the size and severity of aphid infestations by increasing the amino-acid content of the plant sap.

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Chrysopa

Instructions for use Chrysopa is supplied as larvae in a carrier material. On receipt, place the co…

Use For Aphids, Mealybugs
Species Chrysoperla carnea

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Aphipar

Instructions for Vials & Bottles Release weekly at low rates as aphids begin to appear in the c…

Use For Aphid Spp.
Species Aphidius colemani

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Isarid Mycoinsectide

General information When to use Isarid? Apply at first symptoms of pest attack. Minimum 3 appli…

Use For whitefly, aphids, thrips, mealybugs, fungus gnats, weevils, Lygus, leafhopper, Engytatus

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Aphidend

When to use Aphidend? Use Aphidend for biological pest control of a wide range of aphid species, as…

Use For Aphid Spp.
Species Aphidoletes aphidimyza

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Aphipar-M

General information When to use Aphipar-M? Use Aphipar-M primarily for biological pest control …

Use For Aphid Spp.
Species Aphidius matricariae

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Knowing and Recognizing Book

Get the growers’ guide to biological crop protection Knowing and recognizing – The…

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Ervipar

Instructions for use Do not keep the container closed while waiting for mummies to hatch because it…

Use For Aphid Spp.
Species Aphidius ervi

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FAQs About Aphids

Are aphids harmful to plants?

Aphids of all species feed directly on plant sap that would otherwise be used to fuel growth and production. Additionally, the excess sap that is not digested by the Aphid is excreted onto the plant tissue which can host fungal pathogens such as Sooty Mold and attract ants which will "farm" and protect the Aphid populations from natural enemies. Most Aphid species will transmit viruses throughout a crop which can drastically affect yields.

What causes aphids on plants?

Aphids are a cosmopolitan family of plant pests which occur in every temperate region in the world. Individual species can survive on several plant host species throughout the year which allows them to infest agricultural and horticultural crops nearly year-round. Their flying form (known as alate or winged Aphids) is capable of travelling great distances with the help of winds. Serious Aphid infestations are likely when the crop is over-fertilized with Nitrogen or otherwise weak or stressed.

Can plants recover from aphids?

Low levels of Aphids will likely not have much effect on plant health and, if treated quickly and properly, should not affect the life of the plant. Serious infestations of Aphid will stunt plant growth, sometimes permanently, as well as cause secondary infections of viruses or pathogens like Sooty Mold.

How long do aphid eggs last?

Aphids rarely lay eggs and instead give birth to living young or nymphs. This is why Aphid populations can spread so quickly: their young emerge and begin feeding on the plant almost immediately. These hotspots of Aphid can quickly expand to cover entire leaves or stems since their reproduction takes place in the immediate vicinity of the feeding adult.

What time of year do Aphids come out?

Aphids are possible at any time of year in a greenhouse or indoor facility. Outdoor temperatures in the winter usually keep Aphid populations at bay until the spring or summer. Depending on Aphid species, many host plants are available to allow overwintering in outdoor environments, a form of hibernation which allows the pest to quickly repopulate the area once conditions are viable.

Questions About Aphids?

Our team of experts is at your disposal to help you make the best decisions according to the particular needs of your crop. Do not hesitate to call us during normal business hours at (503) 342-6698 or write us through our chat to provide you with personalized service. We will be more than happy to help you!