Aphis gossypii

Aphis gossypii It is known as the cotton aphid. It is also called the green aphid due to its variable coloration, which can be dark green or yellow.

Crops attacked

This insect is polyphagous: it attacks several agricultural crops.

In addition to cotton, it infests plants such as melons, pumpkins, peppers, cucumbers and some wild species.

Biology

Aphis gossypii measures 1 to 1,5 mm and has a pear-shaped body, short antennae, reddish eyes and dark siphunculi.

Reproduction occurs mainly through thelytokous parthenogenesis, that is, females generate new females without the need for mating. This ability favors rapid population expansion.

There are winged and wingless forms, with winged forms being produced when there is a scarcity of resources.

Its life cycle is influenced by climatic conditions, such as heat and humidity.

Ecology and characteristics

Aphids mainly colonize the undersides of leaves and new shoots, where they continually suck plant sap.

They produce a sweet substance called "honeydew", which attracts ants and encourages the growth of fungi such as sooty mold.

The presence of natural enemies can be reduced by the use of non-selective insecticides, while heavy rainfall helps to physically control populations.

Damage

Aphis gossypii causes direct and indirect damage.

Direct damage includes deformations in leaves and shoots, compromising the development of the plant.

Indirectly, they transmit diseases such as vein mosaic, which affects cotton, reducing growth and productivity.

Control

The management of the Aphis gossypii involves cultural, biological and chemical strategies:

• Cultural: use of resistant varieties that tolerate larger aphid populations.

• Biological: preservation of natural enemies such as ladybugs (Cycloneda sanguinea), lacewing larvae (Chrysoperla externa) and parasitoids, such as Aphelinus gossypii.

• Chemical: application of systemic insecticides in cases of high infestations. Selective and botanical products have proven to be efficient.

• Other methods: Integrated management practices that combine different techniques are recommended to reduce dependence on chemicals and preserve ecological balance.

To learn more about Aphis gossypii, click on:

• Cotton aphid and its natural enemies

• Cotton aphid reproduction increases after sublethal doses of insecticides

• Integrated cotton aphid management

To find out which pesticides are registered for control, click on:

• Pesticides against Aphis gossypii