Return to insect pests

Corn root aphids (Aphis maidiradicis) are small, wingless aphids that feed on the roots. They are a rare but serious pest of corn, light bluish-green to grayish green in color with a fine coating of wax. The corn root aphid is found in association with the cornfield ant and is dependent on it. This aphid’s feeding removes nutrients from the roots, which results in stunting and yellowing of the plants and in some instances reduction in plant stands. It feeds on weeds including dock and plantain. The aphid can be a problem in fields with continuous corn and reduced tillage.

Corn root aphids.

(Photo: UK Vegetable IPM Team, University of Kentucky)

Management: 

• Crop rotation tillage plays an important role in corn root aphid management.

Return to insect pests