Pest Alert – Root Aphids
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root aphid on potted perennial
Most gardeners have heard of aphids. These little soft-bodied insects, like their cousins whiteflies, mealybugs and scale, have a needle-like mouthpart that they use to suck the nutritious sap out of plants. The insect can multiply quickly eventually weakening plants.
But have you ever heard of a root aphid? Although less common than their foliar-feeding brethren, root aphids can weaken plants by sucking the sap out of plant roots. In plant production systems such as nurseries and greenhouses the insect can render plants unsalable.
How to Spot Root Aphids Because root aphids are below ground outdoors or in the soil in potted plants, they do not move around much. They settle in area creating a colony. Although very small and hard to see, root aphids are given away by the white fluffy wax they excrete. Growers should scout plants frequently by removing plants from pots and inspecting the root balls for the white waxy excretions.
Root aphids close up. They secrete a white waxy substance that can be used to spot infestations.
How to Control Root Aphids.
As with any pest, the first step in an Integrated Pest Management program is to scout and inspect plants. Whether you are a home gardener or a professional greenhouse grower, be sure new plants are inspected thoroughly for pests. Scout and inspect plants as they grow for pests weekly. Professionals should keep a ‘scouting journal’ and keep records of the results of visual inspections.
If you do discover the presence of root aphids, the best thing to do would be throw away infested plants when discovered during regular pest management scouting procedures. Practice good sanitation being sure to clean tools, pots and greenhouse benches and floors. Do not reuse potting soil.