Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet Edition

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Maize aphid (330)

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Photo 1. Colonies of the maize aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis, on the tassles of maize.

Photo 2.  Maize aphids, Rhopalosiphum maidis,

Photo 3. Adult maize aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis,

Photo 4. Colony of maize aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis, with numerous 'mummies', swollen parasitised individuals. The papery skin of some has collapsed after the exist of the parasitoid.

Summary

• Widespread distribution. Maize, sorghum, barley, millet, and many grasses. Rarely important in Pacific islands.
• Damage: i) feeds on sap causing distortions and wilts; ii) produces honeydew leading to sooty moulds on leaves, and prevents release of pollen (maize); iii) spreads viruses - but not in Pacific islands.
• Females produce living young without mating; nymphs light green, becoming bluish or olive green adults, up to 2 mm long, rectangular; base of conicles (upright tubes) purple.
• Winged forms when populations large. Spread also in wind currents.
• Natural enemies: ladybird beetles and parasitoid wasps (Aphelinus, Lysiphlebus).
• Cultural control: plant far from old infested crops, hot water to kill ants; weed; collect and destroy debris after harvest; tolerant varieties (maize, sorghum).
• Chemical control: PDPs (chilli, derris, neem, pyrethrum); soap, white or horticultural oils; synthetic pyrethroids will kill predators and parasitoids (but useful against ants).

Common Name

Maize aphid, corn leaf aphid, green corn aphid

Scientific Name

Rhopalosiphum maidis

This mini fact sheet is a part of the app Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds

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