Description:
Commonly called plant lice.
Detection:
Check the undersides of leaves, new shoots
and buds for an oval shaped
insect which
grows up to 1/8th inch
long with disproportionately
long legs and antennae,
some species also
have wings. Aphids may
be green, pink, brown,
white, black, yellow, red
or gray. They live
in small colonies or groups
and cause stunted
growth, distortion of buds
and leaves which
if left untreated will
cause the affected
area to curl and die. The
more difficult
aphids to detect feed from
the roots, tapping
the pot can cause them
to move when they
are young, otherwise it’s
time to get the
magnifying glass out! They
also excrete a
sticky honeydew which could
attract a black
sooty mold.
Control:
a) If small number of plants
are affected;
Remove as many as possible by hand with a
soft brush then take the
plant and place
it upside-down in a solution
of soapy water
(non-detergent). Be careful
not to contaminate
the soil with soap and
cover the top of the
pot with a plastic bag
in order to prevent
soil falling out. Swab
the leaves with a
soapy cloth and then rinse
with clear tepid
water. For heavy infestations,
take the plant
into a well ventilated
area, preferably outside
and spray the plant with
malathion, a systemic
or equivalent. A tough
plant may be rinsed
with the garden hose paying
particular attention
to the underside of the
leaves.
