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How to Manage Pests

UC Pest Management Guidelines

| More pests | More crops | About guidelines |

Purplish black adults and reddish purple nymphs of the black bean aphid, Aphis fabae.

Carrot

Bean Aphid

Scientific Name: Aphis fabae

(Reviewed 10/05, updated 10/05)

In this Guideline:

DESCRIPTION OF THE PEST

Bean aphid is a dark, olive-green to black colored aphid. It is most easily confused with the cowpea aphid. Bean aphid has a dull, mattelike appearance while the cowpea aphid is shiny. The cauda (tail-like structure) of the bean aphid has more hairs than that of the cowpea aphid and thus appears bushy. Except for the presence of wings, the winged form of the bean aphid is similar in appearance to the wingless forms.

DAMAGE

Bean aphid may transmit celery mosaic but little is known in this regard. Bean aphid only occasionally builds up on carrots and little is known regarding economic thresholds and damage.

MANAGEMENT

Biological Control
Bean aphids are attacked by a variety of common aphid predators and parasites. Lady beetles, green lacewing larvae, and syrphid fly larvae are frequently found associated with aphid colonies. Bean aphid is also attacked by a very prolific parasitic wasp, Lysiphlebus testaceipes. Parasitized aphids become bloated and their bodies turn tan in color. Bean aphid is also attacked by a fungus disease that leaves the aphid body flattened and with the appearance of being glued to the leaf.

Cultural Control
No cultural control strategies are presently available for managing bean aphids in carrots.

Organically Acceptable Methods
Biological and cultural controls are acceptable for use on organically grown produce.

Monitoring and Treatment Decisions
Monitor fields for aphids weekly during spring and summer by examining the upper and lower surfaces of leaves. Also, look for evidence of predators and parasites and their impact on aphid populations. Treatment is rarely required. No thresholds have been established for the treatment of bean aphid on carrots. Chemical treatments are not effective in preventing virus transmission and this aphid rarely causes economic damage.

Common name Amount/Acre** P.H.I.+
(trade name)   (days)
When choosing a pesticide, consider information relating to water quality and impact on natural enemies and bees.
       
A. IMIDACLOPRID    
  MODE OF ACTION: A neonicotinoid (Group 4A)1 insecticide.
  (Provado) 1.6F
3.5 fl oz
7
  COMMENTS: Thorough, uniform coverage is important for good control. Use allowed under a supplemental label.
       
B. DIAZINON* 50 WP
1 lb
14
  MODE OF ACTION: An organophosphate (Group 1B)1 insecticide.
  COMMENTS: Avoid drift and tailwater runoff into surface waters.
   
** See label for dilution rates.  
+ Preharvest interval. Do not apply within this many days of harvest.  
1 Modes of action are important in preventing the development of resistance to pesticides. 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. 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 is assigned by IRAC (Insecticide Resistance Action Committee). For additional information, see their Web site at http://www.irac-online.org/.
* Permit required from county agricultural commissioner for purchase or use.  

[Precautions]

PUBLICATION

[UC Peer Reviewed]

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Carrot
UC ANR Publication 3438
Insects
C. G. Summers, Entomology, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
W. E. Chaney, UC Cooperative Extension, Monterey Co.
E. T. Natwick, UC Cooperative Extension, Imperial Co.
D. R. Haviland, UC IPM Program, Kern Co.

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Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
All contents copyright © 2005 The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.

For noncommercial purposes only, any Web site may link directly to this page. FOR ALL OTHER USES or more information, read Legal Notices. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual solutions to specific pest problems. See How to manage pests, or in the U.S., contact your local Cooperative Extension office for assistance. /PMG/r102300311.html revised: October 28, 2005. Contact webmaster.