Description:

• Aphids act as vectors for virus transmission, leading to a 40% reduction in yield in severe cases due to the poor health of the plant.

Damage Symptoms:

• Leaves become curled and yellowish, and plant growth is stunted.
• Aphids excrete honeydew, which leads to the growth of black sooty mould on the plant leaves and stem.
• Premature dropping of flowers and young fruits leads to yield reduction.

Preventive Measures:

• Natural predators of aphids, such as ladybugs, can be introduced in the field.
• Place reflective mulch in the field.
• Install yellow sticky traps in the field.

Control Measures:

• Spray neem oil.
• Spray dimethoate at 2 ml/l or methyl demeton at 2 ml/l.