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IPM Scouting in Herbaceous Perennials

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Aphids
IPM scouting in herbaceous perennials > aphids
Aphids use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to withdraw fluids from terminal growth and leaf undersides. This results in leaf curling or distortion. Aphids produce honeydew, a clear, sticky liquid. Aphids feeding on plants outdoors are susceptible to many beneficial insects (natural enemies), including parasitic wasps, ladybird beetles, green lace-wings and hover flies. Many species of aphids feed on a wide variety of herbaceous perennials.

Management: A hard water spray will quickly remove aphids from plants and minimally affect any beneficial insects. Avoid overfertilizing and overwatering plants. Remove weeds from adjacent areas – many weeds serve as a reservoir for aphids. Contact and systemic insecticides may be effective in controlling aphids.
Aphids Lots of aphids
Aphids are 1 to 3 mm long and pear-shaped, with two tubes (cornicles) projecting from the back of the abdomen. They vary in color, depending on the host plant fed upon, from black, brown, green, orange and red to yellow. Aphids tend to feed on plants in large numbers.
This information was developed from A Pocket Guide for IPM Scouting in Herbaceous Perennials by Jan Byrne and Raymond A. Cloyd. Purchase this in a pocket-sized guide for reference in the orchard from MSU Extension (publication E-2981).
The MSU IPM Program maintains this site as an access point to pest management information at MSU. The IPM Program is administered within the Department of Entomology, fueled by research from the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, delivered to citizens through MSU Extension, and proud to be a part of Project GREEEN.
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Updated 8/07/07