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The black bean aphid is easy to distinguish from other aphid pests by its black color. Depending on the host plant, the black bean louse has an ovoid dark oily green to black body with black stripes on its back. This aphid has long, pale yellow legs with dark tips and short green siphons. This aphid is 1.5-3.0 mm long and is found in colonies mainly in the upper, younger parts of plants.

Once a population in these growth colonies becomes too densely populated, the black bean aphids spread out onto the entire plant or they change plants. More nymphs are then born with wings, which consequently makes it easier for them to move to other plants.
Winged individuals are also produced during migration periods (spring and autumn). Outside of these times, the aphids are born wingless. In greenhouses, these aphids can develop all year round. Outside, winter eggs are deposited on a few host plants, including euonymus.

Since the black bean aphid can be a carrier of more than 40 plant viruses, the spread of this aphid can therefore become extra problematic. 

For early detection of the black bean aphid, sticky traps products can be used to control the black bean aphid. Read more about types of aphid and control in various crops.

The black bean aphid can reproduce sexually and asexually. Where the standard is asexual, this aphid can reproduce sexually in preparation for the winter. The eggs can survive the winter and hatch in large numbers in the spring. The female deposits her eggs on the underside of a leaf or on the tips of the stems. The nymphs start feeding on plant saps straight after birth. When developing from nymph to adult, this aphid undergoes 4 growth stages during which each transition is characterized by leaving old molted skins in the crop.

The black bean aphid betrays its presence in the crop by leaving behind many white old molted skins remnants. In addition, honeydew is a good indicator of its presence. Their honeydew is in turn an ideal breeding ground for various fungi, such as sooty dew. Also typical for the presence of the black bean aphid are rolled up curling leaves. Their harmful saliva causes the leaves to roll up, and in more prolonged infestation, the leaves will fall from the plant. This aphid mostly settles in the younger parts (leaves/flower buds/stems) of the plant. In addition, the introduction of one of many plant viruses can also lead to major plant damage such as severe leaf curl, deformities, reduced leaf size and necrosis.

Black bean aphid control methods can be biological and chemical. Optional natural enemies are: the parasitic wasp, gall midge, ladybug and lacewing fly. Effective chemical plant protection products are broad action insecticides. For an overview of all of the approved products against black bean aphids in your crop, you can contact your accountmanager.

In addition, black bean aphid damage in crops can also be reduced or prevented by taking additional hygiene measures or by placing insect netting in the air vents. 

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