- 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).
Pacific Pests, Pathogens and Weeds - Online edition
Pacific Pests, Pathogens, Weeds & Pesticides
Maize aphid (330)
Maize aphid, corn leaf aphid, green corn aphid
Rhopalosiphum maidis
AUTHOR Grahame Jackson
Information from CABI (2015) Rhopalosiphum maidis (green corn aphid). Crop Protection Compendium. (https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/47318); and Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) (1992) Crop Knowledge Master Department of Entomology, Honolulu, Hawaii. (http://www.extento.hawaii.edu/kbase/crop/type/rhopalos.htm); and Mound L, et al. (2007) corn leaf aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis): PaDIL - (http://www.padil.gov.au); and from Rhopalosiphum maidis. Wikipedia. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhopalosiphum_maidis). Photo 1 Eric Burkness, Bugwood.org. Photo 2 Kansas Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org. Photo 3 Brendan Wray, AphD, USDA APHIS ITP, Bugwood.org.
Produced with support from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research under project PC/2010/090: Strengthening integrated crop management research in the Pacific Islands in support of sustainable intensification of high-value crop production, implemented by the University of Queensland and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.