Manage aphids in Cyclamen persicum
Aphids have a large family that includes more than 4.000 species of plant-specific parasites. In Cyclamen the aphids can be an annoying pest that causes serious damage. In this article you can read how to recognize, prevent and control aphids in Cyclamen persicum.
How to recognize aphids
Aphids are small insects. Usually 1 until 3 millimeters (0.04 until 0.12 inch) long with soft, oval-shaped bodies. You can find them in different colours, such as green, black, yellow or rose. Aphids move slowly and can sometimes fly but typically remain close to the plants they feed on.
The most common species which can cause serious damage in flowering pot plants, such as Cyclamen are:
- Green aphid (Myzus persicae)
- Black aphid (Aphis fabae)
- Rose aphid (Macrosiphum rosae)
- Potato aphid (Aulacorthum solani)
Signs of aphids in Cyclamen
Cyclamen plants infested with aphids may show
- Curled or deformed Cyclamen leaves
- Growth delay
- Malformations in Cyclamen new growth
- Presence of honeydew
- Seeing aphids on Cyclamen new growth or flowers
Damage caused by aphids to Cyclamen
Aphids can delay Cyclamen growth. Leaves can turn yellow or get spots. The leaves may also curl or become distorted. Plants can brown, wilt, or grow malformated.
In some cases, aphids infestation results in plant death. The most harmful effect of aphids is their ability to transmit viruses. In just seconds, aphids can transfer many damaging viruses from an infected Cyclamen persicum to a healthy one.
Aphid lifecycle
The aphid life cycle consists of three stages: egg, nymph and adult. Aphids are born as young nymphs which immediately begin extracting plant sap. They have a complex life cycle. Both winged and wingless adults exist and exhibit a variety of colours.
They often reproduce asexually.
Prevent aphid infestations
There are several cultivation techniques to prevent or minimize aphid attacks in Cyclamen, such as:
- Remove weeds that can serve as reservoirs for harmful insects, such as aphids
- Install insect netting in ventilation windows
- Avoide excessive use of nitrogen-based fertilizers
- Remove crop residues
- Regular scout and remove a.s.a.p. infested plants to prevent aphid multiplication
- Monitor and trap harmful insects, including aphids and thrips, by using sticky yellow traps
- Use natural predators
Control aphids
Both biological and chemical solutions can be used for controlling aphids in Cyclamen
Biological control (using natural predators)
- Parasitic wasp (Aphidius ervi or aphelinus abdominalis)
- Gall midge (Aphidoletes aphidimyza)
- Lacewing larvae (Chrysoperla carnea)
- Adult ladybugs (Adalia bipunctata)
Chemical control
The most effective crop protection chemicals against the aphids are broad spectrum insecticides. Not all chemicals can be used in combination with natural predators. Check the side effects to ensure compatibility with integrated cultivation.
Questions?
Do you have questions about aphids or would you like to know more?