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How to Manage Pests
UC Pest Management Guidelines
Peppers
Green Peach Aphid
Scientific name: Myzus persicae
(Reviewed 8/07,
updated 8/07)
In this Guideline:
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Green peach aphid is among the most common aphid species found on peppers. It may be
present at any time throughout the year but is most common from March through
May and September through November. Generally its color is pale green, although
at times individuals may be present that are pinkish. During cool weather,
individuals are usually more deeply pigmented. Both winged and wingless forms
of the green peach aphid have prominent cornicles on the abdomen that are
markedly swollen and clublike in appearance. The frontal tubercles at the base
of the antennae are very prominent and are convergent. Winged forms of
the green peach aphid have a distinct dark patch near the tip of the abdomen;
wingless forms lack this dark patch.
The green peach aphid transmits a number of destructive viruses in
pepper including pepper potyviruses and cucumber mosaic cucumovirus. In
addition, it can also damage the plant by sucking plant sap. Damaging levels
are characterized by large numbers of aphids found on the underside of leaves.
Extensive feeding causes plants to turn yellow and the leaves to curl downward
and inward from the edges. Honeydew produced by the aphids can be a problem,
especially on fresh market peppers. Aphid damage is most prominent on newer,
younger leaves in the center of the plant.
Biological and cultural controls can be useful for limiting damage
from this aphid. For instance, removing old crop debris from the field will
reduce sources of virus and thereby its transmission by aphids, and using
reflective mulches early in the season will repel aphids from young plants.
Heavy infestations on seedling and young plants may require treatment with
insecticides.
Biological Control
The green peach aphid is attacked by a number of common predators,
including lacewings, lady
beetles, syrphid flies, and parasites,
including the parasitic waspsLysiphlebus
testaceipes, Aphidius
matricariae, Aphelinus
semiflavus, and Diaeretiella
rapae, and is susceptible to the fungus disease, Entomophthora spp., that
commonly attacks aphids. Aphid sampling should always include an evaluation of
the presence and activity of natural enemies.
Cultural Control
An important factor in reducing virus spread is good field sanitation,
especially removal of infected crop debris immediately after harvest and
destruction of alternate host plants. While field sanitation helps control the
incidence and spread of viruses transmitted by green peach aphid, it does
little to control the aphid itself. The spread of the virus within a
geographical area can be reduced by not planting peppers near other pepper
fields.
If peppers are planted near large areas of rangeland, it may not
be possible to prevent the influx of green peach aphid. Studies have shown,
however, that aluminum foil or silver reflective plastic mulches were effective
in repelling aphids from plants. Remove these mulches when summer temperatures
get high to prevent overheating plants.
Organically Acceptable Methods
Biological and cultural controls and sprays of insecticidal soap or
pyrethrin are acceptable for use on organically certified crops.
Monitoring and Treatment Decisions
Treatment of aphids to prevent or reduce the incidence of viruses is of little
value and is not recommended. Treatment thresholds for green peach aphid, as a
pest in its own right are not well established. Heavy populations can do
extensive damage, particularly on seedlings or young plants. If seedlings or
young plants show signs of stress because of aphid feeding, an application of
insecticide may be needed.
| Common name |
Amount/Acre |
R.E.I.+ |
P.H.I.+ |
| (trade name) |
|
(hours) |
(days) |
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| When choosing a
pesticide, consider information relating to impact
on natural enemies and honey bees and environmental impact.
|
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| A. |
IMIDACLOPRID |
| |
(Admire Pro) |
7–14 fl oz |
12 |
21 |
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MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 4A |
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COMMENTS: Apply as a soil application according to label directions. Do not apply to vegetables grown for seeds. |
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...OR... |
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(Provado) 1.6F |
3.8 fl oz |
12 |
0 |
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MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 4A |
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COMMENTS: Apply as a foliar application according to label directions. Do not exceed 18.8 fl oz/acre/year. |
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| B. |
THIAMETHOXAM |
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(Actara) |
2–3 oz |
12 |
0 |
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MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 4A |
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COMMENTS: Do not exceed 0.125 lb a.i./acre/season. Thorough coverage is important. |
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| C. |
ACETAMIPRID |
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(Assail) 70WP |
0.8–1.2 oz |
12 |
7 |
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MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 4A |
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COMMENTS: Do not make more than 4 applications/season or exceed 0.3 lb a.i./acre/season. |
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| D. |
ENDOSULFAN* |
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(Thionex) 50W |
1 lb |
48 |
4 |
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MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 2A |
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COMMENTS: Do not exceed 2 applications/season. Do not plant
root crops other than carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and sugarbeet as follow-up crops. |
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| E. |
METHOMYL* |
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(Lannate SP) |
0.5 lb |
48 |
3 |
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MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 1A |
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COMMENTS: Apply in sufficient water (5–15 gal/acre by
air) to obtain thorough coverage. Apply at 5- to 7-day intervals or as needed. Do not use if psyllids are present. |
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| F. |
DIMETHOATE 400 |
0.5–0.66 pt |
48 |
0 |
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DIMETHOATE E267 |
0.75–1 pt |
48 |
0 |
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MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 1B |
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| G. |
PYRETHRIN# |
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(PyGanic) 1.4EC |
16 oz |
12 |
0 |
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MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 3 |
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COMMENTS: Begin applications when insects first appear; do not
wait until the plants are heavily infested. Apply by ground sprayer in
sufficient water for thorough coverage of the plants. Apply at intervals of 7 days or less. Repeat as necessary to maintain control. |
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| H. |
INSECTICIDAL SOAP# |
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(M-Pede) |
2.5 oz/gal water |
12 |
0 |
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MODE OF ACTION: A contact fungicide with smothering and barrier effects. |
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COMMENTS: Only gives partial control (about 50%) and may cause
phytotoxicity. Apply when aphids first appear or when damage first occurs.
Spray to wet all infested plant surfaces. Repeat at weekly to biweekly
intervals. Rotate sprays or rinse foliage to avoid more than 3 consecutive sprays. |
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UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Peppers
UC ANR Publication 3460
Insects and Mites
E. T. Natwick, UC Cooperative Extension Imperial County
J. T. Trumble, Entomology, UC Riverside
Acknowledgment for contributions to Insects and Mites:
W. J. Bentley, UC IPM Program, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
R. L. Coviello, UC Cooperative Extension, Fresno County
C. G. Summers, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
W. E. Chaney, UC Cooperative Extension, Monterey County
C. F. Fouche, UC Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin County
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