Description:

• Aphids prefer new plant growth, and their incidence is observed during the 6 to 8-leaf stage.

Damage Symptoms:

• Young leaves curl and turn yellowish with distortion.
• Honeydew excreted by aphids leads to the development of sooty mould.
• Reduced plant vigour and stunted growth.
• In cases of severe infestation, plants may wilt and die.

Preventive Measures:

• Use reflective mulches to repel aphids.
• Install yellow sticky traps in the field.

Control Measures:

• Spray neem oil at 5 ml/l.
• Spray imidacloprid at 0.5 ml/l or acetamiprid at 0.2 g/l.