Cabbage and Green Peach/Tobacco Aphids
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Cabbage and green peach/tobacco aphids (Brevicoryne brassicae and Myzus spp.). Cabbage aphids are grayish-green with a waxy covering that makes them appear dusty. They have short cornicles on their abdomen. The green peach and tobacco aphids range in color from pink to light green and have longer cornicles. The cabbage aphid will attack cole crops while the green peach aphid feeds on most vegetables. Aphids can build rapidly to large number when weather conditions are favorable due to their asexual reproduction. They also produce honeydew which can result in sooty mold on heads. Aphids can stunt plants and contaminate heads for sale. Dead aphids can be as much of a problem as live ones.
Cabbage aphids on a cabbage leaf
(Photo: UK Vegetable IPM Team, University of Kentucky)
Tobacco aphids
(Photo: UK Vegetable IPM Team, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Timely destruction of crop remnants after harvest helps to reduce overwintering aphids.
- Many predators and parasitic wasps can help to manage aphid numbers, so avoiding the use of broad-spectrum insecticides will encourage biological control.
- Insecticidal soaps as well as selective aphicides are available.
