Submitted by Awaneesh on Wed, 30/12/2009 - 11:24
Posted in
Mustard Aphid (Lipaphis erysimi)
Description
- Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pearl-shaped insects that have a pair of cornicles (honey tubes) projecting out from the fifth or sixth abdominal segment.
- There are four nymphal stages (instars).
- Wingless, female, aphids are yellowish green, gray green or olive green with a white waxy bloom covering the body.
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- The winged, female, adult aphids have a dusky green abdomen with dark lateral stripes separating the body segments and dusky wing veins.
- Male aphids are olive-green to brown in color.
- The aphid attacks generally during December and continues till March.
- The most favourable temperature is 200C or below.
- Cloudy and cold weather help in accelerating the growth of insects.
- About 45 generations are completed in a year.
Nature of Damage
- Plants are infested at all the stages.
- Both nymph and adults suck the sap from leaves, inflorescence or the developing pods.
- Curling may occur for infested leaves and at advanced stage plants may wither and die.
Control Measures
Cultural Control
- Use tolerant varieties like JM-1 and RK-9501.
- The crop sown before 20th October escape the damage.
- Apply recommended dose of fertilizers.
Mechanical Control
- Destroy the affected parts along with aphid population in the initial stage.
Biological Control
- Ladybird beetles viz., Cocciniella septempunctata, , Hippodamia variegata and cheilomones vicina are most effcient pradators of the mustard aphid. Adult beetle may feed an average of 10 to 15 adults/day.
- Several species of syrphid fly i.e., Sphaerophoria spp., Eristallis spp., Metasyrphis spp., Xanthogramma spp and Syrphus spp. are predating on aphids.
- The lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea predates on the mustard aphid colony.
Chemical Control
- Spraying should be done at ETL level.
- Spraying should be done in evening time.
- Spray the crop with one of the following insecticides in the aphid appearance; Imidacloprid 17.8% @ 0.25 ml/l,Thiamethoxam 25 WG @ o.2g/l, Dimethoate 30EC @ 1 ml/l of water.
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