Also known as:
Apple aphid
Green apple aphid ( Aphis pomi). These 2.3 mm-sized green aphids occur on woody crops, such as apple, pear and hawthorn. Green apple aphids are found everywhere in Europe, North Africa and North America.
This aphid overwinters as an egg on the tree or shrub. Female aphids hatch from the eggs in the spring and populate the new shoots in June and July. In August, winged aphids that lay eggs on young twigs. The green apple aphid overwinters as an egg. The aphids secrete honeydew, on which sooty mold can form. Ants often appear with the aphids to “milk” them for honeydew.
The damage to the trees and shrubs is minor – it is mainly optical because the curled leaves and sooty mold look unattractive.
Where to find
- Apple tree
- Cotoneaster
- Hawthorn
- Pear tree
Control
Control generally not necessary; on young plantings, shoots can be massively colonized by this aphid. In that case possibly to control with pyrethrum, insecticidal soap, soap suds, rhubarb solution, nettle solution or with the larvae of ladybird (Adalia).
Prevention
Natural enemies include: birds, ladybirds, earwigs, parasitic wasps and lacewings.
