Aphids

Aphids

Superfamily: Aphidoidea

Affected Plants:

Citrus trees, Cabbages, Spinach, Lettuce, Kale, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Roses, Gerbera daisies, Marigolds

Damage Type:

Sucking sap

Physical Characteristics:

Small, soft-bodied insects; vary in color (green, black, brown, pink); pear-shaped with long antennae.

Control Method:

Mercaptothion, Gamma BHC, Oxydemeton-methyl

Environmental Impact:

Harmful to beneficial insects

Organic/Natural Control:

Neem oil, ladybugs

About this pest

Aphids: Tiny Terrors in the South African Garden

Aphids, those seemingly insignificant green (or sometimes black, brown, or even pink) specks on your plants, can quickly turn into a major headache for South African gardeners. Let’s dive into their world to understand why they deserve your attention:

Physical Characteristics:

  • Size: Tiny, typically 1-2mm long, though some species can be larger.
  • Body: Soft-bodied, pear-shaped, with two pairs of wings (some wingless species exist).
  • Mouthparts: Piercing-sucking mouthparts used to extract sap from plants.
  • Antennae: Long and thread-like, used for touch and smell.

South African Names:

  • Plantluis: Most common Afrikaans term, meaning “plant lice”.
  • Bladluise: Less common Afrikaans term, meaning “leaf lice”.
  • Plantluise: Informal Afrikaans term, simply meaning “plant bugs”.

Why are Aphids a Pest?

  • Sap suckers: They drain vital fluids from plants, stunting growth, causing leaf distortion and yellowing, and reducing yields.
  • Honeydew producers: They excrete a sugary substance called honeydew, attracting ants and other pests, promoting fungal growth like sooty mold.
  • Virus vectors: Some aphids can transmit harmful viruses between plants, causing further damage and disease.

Combatting Aphids:

Natural methods:

      • Ladybugs and lacewings: Encourage these natural predators to feast on aphids in your garden.
      • Neem oil spray: A natural insecticide that disrupts aphid feeding and reproduction.
      • Soapy water spray: Can directly knock off aphids and disrupt their protective waxy coating.
      • Strong water spray: Can dislodge aphids from vulnerable plant parts.

Chemical control:

      • Insecticidal soap: Effective against light infestations, but reapplication might be needed.
      • Systemic insecticides: Absorbed by plants and provide long-term protection, but can harm beneficial insects.

Remember:

  • Always identify the aphid species before choosing a control method. Some species have specific weaknesses.
  • Prioritize natural solutions whenever possible to protect the environment and beneficial insects.
  • Regular garden maintenance, like removing weeds and controlling ant populations, can help prevent aphid infestations.
  • Monitor your plants closely and act quickly when aphid outbreaks occur.

By understanding the aphid and taking proactive measures, you can protect your precious South African plants from these tiny terrors and ensure a thriving garden!

4 Vendors

Pest Control Chemicals / Pesticides

EFEKTO APHICIDE

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EFEKTO APHICIDE PLUS

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EFEKTO MALASOL

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EFEKTO INSECTICIDE GRANULES PLUS

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