Green peach aphid

Insect

Green peach aphid

Myzus persicae (Sulzer)

Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae

Distribution: Widespread in most stone fruit-growing states and provinces in eastern North America.

Photos

Flowers and fruit may be distorted and discolored from feeding.

Flowers and fruit may be distorted and discolored from feeding. Mid-Atlantic Orchard Monitoring Guide
C

These smooth-looking, pear-shaped insects have long antennae and a pair of cornicles extending from the posterior end of the body. Wingless adults and nymphs are yellowish green, with three darker green lines on the abdomen (A). Winged adults are similar in color, but with a dark head and thorax.

  • Crops Affected: cherries, peaches, plums

    Damage

    Attacks peach and all stone fruit crops and is the main vector of plum pox virus (reported from ON, PA, and NS). Adults and nymphs suck the sap from leaf undersides, causing curling and yellowing of foliage (B). Flowers and fruits may also be fed upon, resulting in distortion and discoloration (C).

    Management

    A dormant oil application can help suppress overwintering egg hatch. Motile forms can be treated with an insecticide as they appear in the spring.

Related Content

About

Resources

Events

  • follow us on youtube
  • follow us on linkedin
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).