Main aphids in Africa: Black bean aphid ([i]Aphis fabae[/i]), Cabbage aphid ([i]Brevycoryne brassicae/Myzus persicae[/i]), Groundnut aphid ([i]A.craccivora[/i]), Cotton aphid ([i]A.gossypii[/i]), Russian wheat aphid ([i]Diuraphis noxia[/i]), Cypress aphid ([i]Cinara cupressi[/i])
Maize aphid or corn leaf aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis)
It is dark green to bluish-green in colour with black cornicles. Particularly during dry/periods the colonies appear on the inflorescences and young leaves. Feeding by this aphid causes yellow mottling, but this damage is seldom of economic importance. Their role as vector of the sugarcane virus, maize dwarf mosaic virus and maize leaf-fleck virus makes them a pest of considerable importance. This aphid usually attacks maize plants at the end of the mid-whorl stage. Aphid colonies may completely cover emerging tassels, and the surrounding leaves, preventing pollen release. In severe outbreaks the ear shoot is also infested, and seed set may be affected.
- Conserve natural enemies. Aphids have a wide range of natural enemies, which normally keep them under control.
