Aphids, or plant lice, are small round, soft-bodied sap feeders commonly found on foliage and stems. Different species are variously colored: green, white, pink, black. Besides reduced vigor, damage often appears as wilting or curling of foliage or stunting and deformation of buds and flowers. Aphids reproduce rapidly, making early detection and frequent monitoring important.
Aphids can be controlled naturally in several ways: parasitic wasps, predators, pathogenic fungi, rain, and wind. Aluminum foil stretched under the plants may repel aphids from the plants. If insecticides are needed to control aphids, spray thoroughly, starting when aphids appear to be increasing; repeat as needed.
