Apple Astragalus Aphis, also known as *Aphis pomi* De Geer, is a species belonging to the order Homoptera and family Aphididae. It is commonly referred to as the apple aphid or spiraea aphid. This pest primarily infests fruit trees such as apple, pear, peach, plum, apricot, betel nut, cherry, hawthorn, and others. The non-winged female is approximately 1.5 mm in length, with a yellow or yellow-green body. Its cornicle (ventral tube) is medium in length, cylindrical, and tapers at the end. The head, eyes, and abdomen are black in color. Winged females are smaller and younger, with black heads and thoracic tubes, while their abdomens are yellow-green or green with dark spots on the sides. The eggs are oval-shaped, slightly pointed, about 0.6 mm long, and dark in color. Nymphs are bright yellow, with black antennae, legs, and abdomen.
The life cycle of this aphid typically consists of around 15 generations in the middle of the province. Eggs overwinter in bud scales or cracks in the bark. Hatching begins in early April, and the next generation is mainly wingless females. These nymphs and adults feed in clusters on shoots and tender growth. The following 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. The aphid reproduces parthenogenetically from spring to autumn. During dry years with occasional light rain, the damage can be severe. In late June and July, many 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 lay overwintering eggs.
This species does not undergo host alternation and is considered a stay-type aphid. For control, it's important to understand and utilize natural enemies. Under normal weather conditions, without chemical interference, these aphids rarely cause serious damage. When populations become high, ladybugs from wheat fields can be introduced into orchards in mid to early June for temporary control. If damage is severe and population increases significantly in mid-May, spraying with 10% imidacloprid WP at 3,000–5,000 times dilution, or 20% imidacloprid EC at 8,000–10,000 times, can be effective. Other options include 30% emulsifiable concentrate (EC) of certain insecticides, 2.5% green enemy kill EC, or 2.5% green Kung Fu EC at 3,000–4,000 times dilution. Alternatively, 20% New Year's Emulsion can be used at 3,000 times. These sprays provide quick and effective results. Special attention should be given to protecting natural predators such as ladybugs, hoverflies, lacewings, ants, and parasitic wasps.
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