Apple Astragalus Aphis, also known as *Aphis pomi* DeGeer, is a species belonging to the order Homoptera and family Aphididae. Commonly referred to as the apple aphid or spiraea aphid, it has a wide range of host plants, including apple, pear, peach, plum, apricot, betel nut, cherry, hawthorn, and other fruit trees.
The non-winged female aphid measures approximately 1.5 mm in length and typically exhibits a yellow or yellow-green coloration. Its siphunculi (ventral tube) are medium in length, cylindrical, and taper at the end. The head, eyes, and abdomen are black. Winged females are smaller and younger, with a black head and thorax, and a yellow-green or green abdomen that may have dark spots on the sides. The eggs are oval-shaped, slightly pointed at the ends, about 0.6 mm long, and appear black. Nymphs are bright yellow, with black antennae, legs, and abdominal segments.
In terms of occurrence patterns, this aphid typically has around 15 generations per year in the central region of our province. During winter, eggs overwinter in shoot buds or cracks in the bark. Hatching begins in early April and continues through the following spring. The first generation consists of wingless female nymphs, which feed on shoots and new growth. The next generation is mostly winged, attacking buds and young leaves. Later generations are primarily wingless females, with some winged individuals. Infested leaves often curl and roll, causing visible damage. This aphid reproduces asexually from spring to autumn, and in dry years with occasional light rain, infestations can be particularly severe.
By June and July, large numbers of winged females appear, migrating to other host plants. From August to September, their numbers decline, and by mid-October, sexual forms emerge. After mating, they produce overwintering eggs. This species does not undergo host shifting and is considered a resident pest.
For prevention and control, it's important to understand and utilize natural predators. Under normal weather conditions, aphids rarely cause serious problems without human intervention. When infestations become significant, ladybugs from wheat fields can be introduced into orchards in mid to early June for short-term control. If damage is severe and population levels rise significantly in mid-May, applications of 10% imidacloprid WP at 3,000–5,000 times dilution, or 20% imidacloprid EC at 8,000–10,000 times, can be effective. These sprays show quick results and have strong knockdown effects. Other options include using 30% emulsifiable concentrate (EC) of certain insecticides, or 2.5% green enemy kill EC, 2.5% green Kung Fu EC diluted 3,000–4,000 times, or 20% Good New Year Emulsion at 3,000 times. These treatments effectively reduce aphid populations.
It is crucial to protect natural enemies such as ladybugs, hoverflies, lacewings, earwigs, and parasitic wasps, as they play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and reducing the need for chemical interventions.
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