Aphids are very small, soft-bodied insects with long mouth parts that they use to pierce stems, leaves, and other tender plant parts in order to suck out plant fluids. Most plants have at least one type of aphid that feeds on it during the growing season or an off season warm spell.

Identification
Aphids are small soft shelled insects that are typically wingless. They almost always found in groups or clusters of many generations mixed together. They can be seen without visual aid are easily smeared or squished when touched or if a finger is wiped across them.

Other signs include a shiny splattering on the leaves, bark or other surfaces under a plant that is sticky when touched. This substance is called honeydew and if aphid populations are heavy and remain year after year a black chalky film called sooty mold will grow on it resembling a dark shadow or stain under the plant.

Curled leaves can indicate leaf curling aphids which feed on leaves causing them to curl up and create a protective envelope where they are well protected from predators and foliar treatment attempts.

Life Cycle
Aphids produce many generations per year. There are a number of different aphid species some more host specific than others however, they share common attributes. Most produce asexually from females giving birth to as many as 12 live offspring per day! Because of this amazing reproductive ability aphid populations can jump from insignificant to harmful levels in a matter of just a few warm days.

Some mate and lay eggs which is a reliable way to survive the winter in harsher climates.

Damage
Typical damage is minimal from leaf feeding aphids. Damage can become significant if populations spike causing leaf deformation and massive honeydew problems on and around plants which then grows the sooty mold as discussed above.

Some aphids, like the Bow Legged Fir Aphid feed on the soft tissue of branch bark causing damage to limbs on Concolor Firs that can lead to weakened wood and possible dieback if left untreated for long periods.

Management
Of course the best management is by helping the trees stay healthy and strong so they are able to defend themselves from aphids without human intervention. Proper watering and regular soil treatments help to ensure this ability.

If populations are consistent or heavy dormant oils can be applied before bud break in late winter or insecticidal soaps can be applied when the pressure is current during the growing season.

There are also a number of insecticides that be used both foliar and systemically through the roots or trunk. The systemic can be applied in the dormant season and control population outbreaks for the entire growing season.

Aaron Taddiken is a certified ISA arborist and qualified supervisor for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. He is the president and founder of http://taddikentree.com He is an expert in Tree and Plant Health Care in Boulder, CO.

Author: Aaron Taddiken
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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