Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects, with infestations being more prominent during cool, moist weather
Damage Symptoms:
Leaves curl, turn yellowish, and wither due to aphids sucking sap from them.
Sticky honeydew secreted by aphids leads to the formation of sooty mould, resulting in the blackening of the leaves and reduced photosynthetic activity.
Severe infestations lead to stunted growth, poor curd development, and reduced yield and quality.
Preventive Measures:
Use reflective mulches to repel aphids and reduce their attraction to plants.
Control Measures:
Spray systemic insecticides like Imidacloprid (0.3 ml/l) or Dimethoate (1.5 ml/l) at the early stages of infestation.
