Description of the Pest
The cotton aphid, also called melon aphid, is a rather small aphid that ranges in color from yellowish green to greenish black. Both winged and wingless forms are produced. The winged individuals are somewhat slender and are not as robust as the wingless form. A mature individual measures about 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) in length. The cotton aphid develops in colonies and prefers the underside of leaves. Unlike other aphids, cotton aphid populations do not diminish with high temperatures; they can also be troublesome late in the season (September and October), particularly in the San Joaquin Valley and in northern California.
Cotton aphid has an extensive host range. Some of the crops it attacks besides pistachio are carrot, cotton, cucurbits, and citrus. Host weeds include milkweed, jimsonweed, pigweed, plantain, and field bindweed.
Damage
Cotton aphids can be a major problem in first-year, newly budded trees. They distort and cause curling of growing leaves, and produce a large amount of honeydew. Clusters become coated with sticky honeydew, creating an environment favorable for the development of a sooty mold.
Management
Biological control can have a significant impact on aphids so be sure to evaluate predator and parasite populations when making treatment decisions.
Biological Control
Naturally-occurring populations of the convergent lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens, may provide effective control in early spring. However, releases of this beetle are not effective because it generally does not remain in the orchard following release. Other general predators, such as lacewing and syrphid larvae, and parasitic wasps, including Lysiphlebus, Aphidius, Diaeretiella, and Aphelinus species, also attack aphids.
Cultural Control
- It is a good practice, where feasible, to control weedy hosts of cotton aphid.
- Preserve habitat for beneficials around the orchard and keep dust down to encourage parasitism and predation.
- Avoid applying too much nitrogen fertilizer.
- Nearby fields infested with cotton aphid should be disced or plowed under as soon as harvest is complete to prevent movement into newly budded pistachio orchards.
Organically Acceptable Methods
Biological and cultural controls and sprays of rosemary oil, insecticidal soaps, and certain oils are acceptable for use in an organically grown crop.
Monitoring and Treatment Decisions
Monitor newly budded pistachio trees for cotton aphid. In most cases biological controls are sufficient to keep aphids at low levels. If unusually large numbers of aphids build up early in the season and appear to be retarding growth, consider applying an insecticide. No threshold has been established.
Common name | Amount per acre | REI‡ | PHI‡ | |
---|---|---|---|---|
(Example trade name) | (hours) | (days) | ||
Not all registered pesticides are listed. The following are ranked with the pesticides having the greatest IPM value listed first—the most effective and least harmful to natural enemies, honey bees, and the environment are at the top of the table. When choosing a pesticide, consider information relating to air and water quality, resistance management, and the pesticide's properties and application timing. Always read the label of the product being used. | ||||
A. | IMIDACLOPRID | |||
(Admire Pro) | 3.5–7 oz | 12 | 7 | |
MODE-OF-ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 4A | ||||
B. | ACETAMIPRID | |||
(Assail 30SG) | 2.5 –9.6 oz | 12 | 14 | |
MODE-OF-ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 4A | ||||
C. | SPIROTETRAMAT | |||
(Movento) | 6-9 oz | 24 | 7 | |
MODE-OF-ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 23 | ||||
D. | INSECTICIDAL SOAPS | |||
(M-pede, etc.) | Label rates | 12 | 0 | |
MODE OF ACTION: A contact insecticide with smothering and barrier effects. | ||||
COMMENTS: This material has no residual and requires frequent applications and thorough coverage. | ||||
E. | NARROW RANGE OIL# | |||
(First Choice Narrow Range 415, etc.) | Label rates | 4 | 0 |
‡ | Restricted entry interval (REI) is the number of hours (unless otherwise noted) from treatment until the treated area can be safely entered without protective clothing. Preharvest interval (PHI) is the number of days from treatment to harvest. In some cases the REI exceeds the PHI. The longer of two intervals is the minimum time that must elapse before harvest. |
1 | Rotate chemicals with a different mode-of-action Group number, and do not use products with the same mode-of-action Group number more than twice per season to help prevent the development of resistance. For example, the organophosphates have a Group number of 1B; chemicals with a 1B Group number should be alternated with chemicals that have a Group number other than 1B. Mode-of-action Group numbers are assigned by IRAC (Insecticide Resistance Action Committee). For additional information, see their Web site at http://www.irac-online.org/. |