Bean Aphid

Description:

Adult and nymph: Dark green to bluish-black; up to 1/12 inch long; adults may be winged or wingless. Bean aphids cluster on stems and under leaves.

 

Common host plants:

All beans. Also beet, carrot, corn and squash.

 

Damage:

Leaves curl and thicken, plants become yellow and unthrifty. Aphids spread virus of common bean mosaic.

Distribution:

Throughout United States; infestations localized.

Cultural Control:

Localized aphid infestations can be hand-picked or pruned out. Before planting vegetables, check surrounding weeds and other plants for aphids and destroy where found. Remove any aphids discovered on transplants before planting. Always remove all crop residues immediatly after harvest.

Organic/Biological Control:

Insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or Neem oil. Many predators, such as lady beetles, damsel bugs, lacewing larvae, and flower fly larvae, and parasitic wasps help keep aphid populations in check.

Chemical Control:

Apply a registered insecticide when insects are first noticed.

Revised 3/28/2006


Notice: Because pesticide labels can change rapidly, you should read the label directions carefully before buying and using any pesticides. Regardless of the information provided here, you should always follow the latest product label when using any pesticide. If you have any doubt, please contact your local Extension agent or pesticide dealer for the latest information on pesticide label changes.

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Prepared by Alexandra Spring and Eric Day (Modified from a publication by the USDA)