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How to Manage Pests
UC Pest Management Guidelines
Peppers
Green Peach Aphid
Scientific name: Myzus persicae
(Reviewed 12/09,
updated 12/09)
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 wasps Lysiphlebus
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 the chopping or
discing of 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 can be effective in repelling aphids from
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
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) |
|
| When choosing a
pesticide, consider information relating to impact on natural
enemies and honey bees and environmental impact. Not
all registered pesticides are listed. Always read label of product being
used. |
| |
| A. |
PYMETROZINE |
| |
(Fulfill) |
2.75 oz |
12 |
0 |
| |
MODE OF ACTION
GROUP NUMBER1: 9B |
| |
COMMENTS: Can be applied either by soil or drip applications. |
| |
| B. |
IMIDACLOPRID |
| |
(Admire Pro) |
7–14 fl oz |
12 |
21 |
| |
MODE OF ACTION
GROUP NUMBER1: 4A |
| |
COMMENTS: Apply
as a soil application according to label directions. Do not apply to vegetables grown for seeds. |
| |
| C. |
IMIDACLOPRID |
| |
(Provado) 1.6F |
3.8 fl oz |
12 |
0 |
| |
MODE OF ACTION
GROUP NUMBER1: 4A |
| |
COMMENTS: Apply
as a foliar application according to label directions. Do not exceed 18.8 fl oz/acre/year. |
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| D. |
THIAMETHOXAM |
| |
(Actara) |
2–3 oz |
12 |
0 |
| |
MODE OF ACTION
GROUP NUMBER1: 4A |
| |
COMMENTS: Do not exceed 0.125 lb a.i./acre/season. Thorough coverage is important. |
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| E. |
ACETAMIPRID |
| |
(Assail) 70WP |
0.8–1.2 oz |
12 |
7 |
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MODE OF ACTION
GROUP NUMBER1: 4A |
| |
COMMENTS: Do not make more than 4 applications/season or exceed 0.3 lb a.i./acre/season. |
| |
| F. |
DIMETHOATE 400 |
0.5–0.66 pt |
48 |
0 |
| |
DIMETHOATE E267 |
0.75–1 pt |
48 |
0 |
| |
MODE OF ACTION
GROUP NUMBER1: 1B |
| |
| G. |
METHOMYL* |
| |
(Lannate SP) |
0.5 lb |
48 |
3 |
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MODE OF ACTION
GROUP NUMBER1: 1A |
| |
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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| H. |
ENDOSULFAN* |
| |
(Thionex) 50W |
1 lb |
48 |
4 |
| |
MODE OF ACTION
GROUP NUMBER1: 2A |
| |
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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| I. |
PYRETHRIN# |
| |
(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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| J. |
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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