University of Massachusetts Amherst
UMass Extension Vegetable Program
Vegetable Program
Insect Management
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Insects
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Aphid, Potato
Uroleucon pseudambrosia Green peach, melon or potato aphid may occur in potato, colonizing fields from mid June through July. See Pepper from more details on green peach aphid and Cucumber for more details on melon aphid. Potato aphid is the largest aphid of the three, 3-4 mm long, and may be pink or green. Cornicles are the same as the body color with dark tips.Plants of the rose family serve as alternate hosts to potato aphid in fall and spring. A wide range of weeds, field crops and vegetable crops are hosts in summer. In potato they feed first in young growing tips, spreading downward into older leaves. Injury includes leaf deformity and dieback. Aphids spread viruses to seed and tablestock potatoes, which can reduce yields and quality. High populations of aphids can cause foliage to decline. Plant disease-free certified seed. Use selective or systemic insecticides for Colorado potato beetle to conserve natural enemies of aphids. Fields should be scouted for aphids starting in late June. Examine aphids/leaf on 50 fully grown compound leaves (5 leaves at ten locations in the field) from top, middle and bottom of the canopy. In fresh market and processing potato, the thresholds for insecticide application is when an average of five aphids per leaf are present, or 10 per leaf within two weeks of vine kill. In Maine, the economic threshold for tablestock and processing fields is when aphids are found on 50 percent of the plants or one winged aphid is found within the field. For Current information on production methods (including varieties, spacing, seeding, and fertility), weed, disease, and insect management, please visit the New England Vegetable Management Guide website. Below you will find additional information on managing this insect, including photos, fact sheets, articles, and power point presentations, when available. Articles
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