Aphids are a group of insects that affect numerous crops, such as peppers, the crop that we are going to focus on in this article. The control and prevention of aphids in peppers is of great importance in greenhouse crops, since in addition to extracting the essential nutrients from the plant, they inject toxic substances that produce deformations and transmit numerous viruses.
The species Myzus persicae (Sulzer), Aphis gossiipy (Glover), Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas), and Aulacothum solani (Kaltenbach) harm crops like peppers and other vegetables.
In this article we will analyze how aphids behave in pepper crops, what their main damage is and how we can prevent the incidence of this pest from skyrocketing in our crops and therefore minimize the damage it can cause before it harms your crops. .
How to identify the aphid on pepper?
Aphids are small sucking insects and a major pest of various crops, including peppers. The adults measure between 1.6 and 1.3 mm, they belong to the family of aphids (Aphididae) with the particularity of being able to have wings (Winged) or without them (Apterous).
Life cycle and reproduction of the aphid
There are various environmental and weather conditions such as temperature that have a great influence on the reproduction and development of the aphid. Its life cycle can be basically of two kinds. We’ll tell you then:
Full cycle of the aphid
It requires two plants of different species. The deposit of the eggs (about 500) is carried out by the female aphid on the primary host plant (which is normally a tree). Specifically in the margins and the underside of the leaves.
From these eggs the nymphs are born, initially yellow in color, but gradually turning green, going through 5 different stages until they become adults. Most are winged, which allows them to be easily transferred to secondary crops: peppers, vegetables, strawberries, legumes, ornamental plants, etc.
Incomplete cycle of the aphid
It is the most frequent and occurs above all in greenhouse crops. Contrary to the complete cycle, it does not require a primary host, but it is in the host plant itself that sexual reproduction takes place.
Unfertilized viviparous females give rise to other females with the same characteristics and each adult produces an average of 56 nymphs, which go through 4 instars until they become adults.
Although the life cycle of the aphid is generally considered to be 25 days (with temperatures not exceeding 20ºC), this can be reduced to 7 days.
Aphid damage on pepper
The pepper aphid is one of the most common pests in horticultural and garden plants in general. If it is not controlled in time, its consequences on crops can be disastrous.
Within its damages, we can distinguish between direct and indirect. Let’s see them!
Direct damage of the aphid in pepper
- Generalized weakening of the plant by absorbing its sap.
- Reduced growth.
- Yellowing of the plant and deformation of the leaves.
- Cuts and wounds caused by the aphid’s stylet digging into the plant.
Indirect damage due to effects of aphids on peppers
- Formation of a sugary molasses, which favors the appearance of sooty mold or sooty mold, which slows down the photosynthesis process and deteriorates the fruits.
- Some aphids, such as Myzus persicae and Aphis gossiipy,  favor the transmission of viruses, such as Cucumber CMV and Potato Mosaic Virus (PVY) and Pepper Yellow Spot Virus (PeVYV).
How to eliminate an aphid infestation in the garden or orchard
On the one hand, you can kill the aphid with pesticides or artificial insecticides that are sold in florists and garden stores, but you must follow the instructions very well to ensure that you do not harm the plants.
On the other hand, you can opt for home remedies to eliminate aphids on plants naturally. At Novobac we recommend using:
- Garlic
- Vinegar
- potassium soap
- Nettle slurry
- Plants that offer natural protection
- Introduction of natural predators of aphids
In addition to these, as it is very common to use tobacco to eliminate aphids from plants, we will also explain this other home remedy. Vegetable oils and essential oils can also be used to eliminate aphids, applying them directly to the affected parts, although it should not be abused so as not to prevent the plant from continuing with its vital functions and damaging or even killing it. For example, one of the most effective essential oils for this problem is Neem oil.
Preventive methods and cultural techniques
- Carry out early treatments, before the population reaches high levels.
- The placement of meshes in the bands of the greenhouses.
- Elimination of weeds and remains of crops inside and around the greenhouse.
- Place yellow chromotropic traps. Yellow sticky traps and yellow water trays are attractants for the winged forms, which aid in the detection of early infestations of the pest.
Biologic Control
Among the natural enemies of aphids there are several species. The biological control of aphids exerted by parasitoids is carried out by species of the genus Aphidius. In general, among the predators of aphids, larvae and adults of neuroptera (Chrysoperla carnae and Chrysopa formosa ), Coccinellid Coleoptera (Coccinella septempuntata ), Diptera larvae and various Hymennoptera stand out. Among the entomopathogens, the pathogenic fungus Verticillium lecanii stands out.
In M. persicae, and in the greenhouse, biological control has been achieved with the parasitoids: Aphidius matricariae, Ephedrus cerasÃcola; as predators: Aphidoletes aphidimyza; and as fungi: Verticilium lecanii.
In A. fabae, there is a parasitoid that attacks them, which is Lysiphebus testaceipes , and some predatory hoverflies, caecidomids and coccinellids.
Conclusion
So cheer up, with the help of the fact we listed above, now you have knowledge of Aphid in pepper plants, and know how to detect and eliminate it. We always have things to learn from nature and maintaining the ecological balance of our garden can be an achievement worthy of more than meritorious smiles.
Finally, we leave you the link to our product Beveria WP to effective treatments against Aphid pepper plant.
