Aphids on Solanaceous Crops
Return to Insect Pests
Aphids (various species). Common pests of all solanaceous crops. Pictured are the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) on pepper and potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) with white cast skins on tomato. Adult aphids are about 1⁄8 inch long and are a common pest of peppers and tomatoes in Kentucky. Aphids remove sap from plants through piercing and sucking mouthparts, and although large numbers can be tolerated, severe infestations such as this can lead to stunting and leaf curl in affected plants, honeydew accumulation on fruit, and sooty mold. Aphid outbreaks are often the result of overreliance on pyrethroid insecticides. Aphids pose a significant threat as a vector to spread viruses among crops.
Potato aphids.
(Photo: UK Vegetable IPM Team)
Green peach aphids.
(Photo: UK Vegetable IPM Team)
