Hot and humid weather conditions are favourable for aphid infestations. The pest occurs mainly during the flowering and fruiting stages of the plant. If left untreated, it could cause a yield loss of up to 30%.
Damage Symptoms:
Aphids feed on plant sap, causing curling and yellowing of leaves.
Aphids excrete honeydew on leaves, which leads to the growth of black sooty mould.
Stunted growth of the plant.
Aphids also act as vectors of several viral diseases.
Preventive Measures:
Introduction of natural predators like ladybugs 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.
