Latin name: Aphidoidea (superfamily)
Aphids are small sap-sucking insects found throughout Australia, attacking a wide range of ornamental plants, vegetables, fruit trees and shrubs. They are particularly active during spring and autumn when new plant growth is abundant. Aphids feed by piercing plant tissues and extracting sap, causing distorted leaves, stunted growth and reduced plant vigour. They also produce sticky honeydew, which encourages the growth of sooty mould and attracts ants.
Under favourable conditions, aphid populations can increase rapidly, making early detection and treatment essential.
Lifecycle
Aphids undergo incomplete metamorphosis and reproduce extremely quickly.
- Females give birth to live young without mating under favourable conditions.
- Nymphs begin feeding immediately after birth.
- Nymphs moult several times before becoming adults.
- Winged adults develop when colonies become overcrowded, allowing them to spread to new plants.
Multiple generations can occur within a single growing season.
Identification
- Adults are typically 1–4 mm long.
- Soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects.
- Green, black, brown, yellow, red or pink depending on the species.
- Often found clustered on new shoots, flower buds and the undersides of leaves.
- Winged and wingless forms may be present.
- Produce sticky honeydew on leaves and surrounding surfaces.
Damage
- Distorted, curled or yellowing leaves.
- Stunted shoots and reduced plant growth.
- Premature leaf and flower drop.
- Sticky honeydew leading to black sooty mould.
- Transmission of plant viruses between susceptible plants.
- Increased ant activity as ants feed on honeydew.
SOLUTIONS
On ornamentals, roses and shrubs with active aphid colonies: Apply Apparent Surround to achieve rapid knockdown of exposed aphids.
On fruit trees, vegetables and ornamental plants: Apply Apparent Cocky as a systemic treatment to protect new growth and control feeding aphids.
At the first signs of curled leaves or sticky honeydew: Treat infestations promptly with Apparent Cocky before populations spread to surrounding plants.
In gardens with recurring aphid infestations: Monitor new growth regularly, encourage beneficial insects where possible, and rotate Apparent Surround and Apparent Cocky as part of an integrated pest management program.
References
https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/pest-insects/aphids
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/aphids
