• Shallot aphid

  General The shallot aphid, Myzus ascalonicus , is extremely polyphagous. It feeds on crops such as onions, shallots, strawberries, lettuce, brassicas and potatoes and many ornamentals . The shallot aphid is cosmopolitan and widely spread in Europe. Damage symptoms Feeding of shallot aphid on strawberries invokes a strong host plant reaction. Infested plants become severely stunted when growth starts in spring. Petioles are shortened and leaves curled

• Small bramble aphid

  General The small bramble aphid or permanent blackberry aphid, Aphis ruborum , is widely distributed throughout Europe into North Africa and Central Asia. It is a pest of blackberry and is also found on loganberry and rarely on strawberry. Damage symptoms The dense colonies appearing is early summer cause leaf curl. Life cycle and appearance of Small bramble aphid Aphids have a complex life cycle, with both winged and wingless forms of adults and

• May beetle

  Overview May beetles are beetles from the Scarabaeidae family, and are plant-eating species from the Melolonthinae subfamily. Although this subfamily contains a number of species which cause damage to crops, the most representative genus is the Phyllophaga . Given the external physical similarities between the adults and larvae of this genus, they are usually treated as a single group, sharing similar habits and biology. The larval stages of these

• Caterpillars

  Biological control of caterpillars Caterpillars are highly destructive pests that feed on leaves, stems and fruits, causing serious damage to greenhouse and field crops. Their feeding reduces photosynthesis, weakens plants and directly affects yield and quality. Effective caterpillar control is therefore essential for maintaining healthy and productive crops. Biological control of caterpillars combines monitoring and control strategies that target

• Potato aphid

  General The potato aphid ( Macrosiphum euphorbiae ) is of North American origin, but is these days distributed throughout the world. It is a highly polyphagous species with a preference for Solanaceae (particularly potato), but has also been identified on more than 200 plant species from more than 20 families. Various vegetable and ornamental crops grown in greenhouses are colonized, including tomato , aubergine and roses. Damage symptoms Nymphs

• Cotton aphid

  General The cotton aphid ( Aphis gossypii ) is an extremely polyphagous aphid found on more than 700 plant species. Crop plants attacked by this aphid include cotton, citrus , coffee , cocoa, eggplant , cucumber , melon , pepper and many ornamental plants such as chrysanthemum and kalanchoe. The cotton aphid ( Aphis gossypii ) is distributed throughout the world but prefers the warmer regions. It has been a pest in European greenhouses since the late

• Black bean aphid

  General The black bean aphid, Aphis fabae , is widespread in temperate regions, where it is a serious economic pest of beans. It is highly polyphagous, and attacks a wide range of other crops. Damage symptoms Economic damage by black bean aphid is mainly due to direct feeding damage. Indirect damage is caused through the transmission of plant viruses. Infestations start usually at the younger parts of the plant but can spread all over the plant.

• Rose aphid

  General The rose aphid, Macrosiphum rosae , is a serious and often abundant pest of roses. It is virtually cosmopolitan and widely spread in Europe. Damage symptoms Infestations with rose aphids retard the growth of buds and new shoots. Foliage and flowers are often disfigured and contaminated with sticky honeydew on which black sooty moulds develop. Life cycle and appearance of Rose aphid Aphids have a complex life cycle, with both winged and

• Blackcurrant aphid

  General The blackcurrant aphid, Cryptomyzus galeopsidis , attacks black currant and also red current. It is widespread throughout Europe and also present in the Russian Far East and North America. Damage symptoms Blackcurrant aphids produce large amounts of sticky honeydew on which black sooty mould fungi grow. Leaves and fruit quickly turn black and fruit can become unmarketable. Life cycle and appearance of Blackcurrant aphid Aphids have a complex

• Flies

  Biological control of flies Flies are a common pest problem in greenhouse and field crops, where they disturb plant growth, spread diseases and affect crop hygiene. Their larvae can damage roots and growing media, while adults can cause contamination. Effective fly control is essential to maintain healthy and high-quality crops. Biological control of flies combines targeted monitoring and natural enemies that reduce both larval and adult populations