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• Identify Cotton aphid
• Lifecycle of the Cotton Aphid
• Damage symptoms of cotton aphid

The cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii) is mostly found in the younger parts of plants; often on the underside of leaves and shoots. The cotton aphid can be winged or wingless. The wingless aphid has a stocky, round body shape of 0.9-1.8 mm in size. This size depends on temperature, food availability and population density. Its color varies from pale yellow to black-green. It also has red eyes and black siphuncles on its lower body (this is the most important distinguishing feature for identifying this aphid). 

The winged cotton aphid is on average slightly larger, has a black head and body and a yellow/dark green abdomen. The winged cotton aphid siphuncles are also black and short. 

For prompt detection of aphids, signaling rolls can be used. It is difficult to determine on sticky traps what aphid is involved but they do indicate the cotton aphid infestation. In doubt about the type of aphid? Then read our article on aphid control.

The cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii) can reproduce both sexually and asexually. The eggs can survive the winter and hatch in large numbers in the spring. Due to a mostly constant temperature in Dutch greenhouse horticulture, asexual reproduction prevails. The population then consists of females only. The females are viviparous. A female can produce three to ten offspring per day, which can make the development of a cotton aphid population be extremely fast. The nymphs start to feed on plant saps immediately after birth.

The development of nymphs takes six days at 28 °C and ten days at 16 °C (cultivation crop: cucumber). During the development of the aphid, it sheds its skin a total of 4 times. With each molt, the aphid leaves behind white skin remnants.  

The cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii) betrays its presence in crops by leaving behind many white skin remnants. The aphids are often located in large numbers on the underside of the leaves. Cotton aphids extract nutrients from the plant. This disrupts plant growth. After having toxic substances injected, the leaves may become discolored. Excess plant saps are excreted in the form of honeydew. This makes the plant and fruit sticky. Then, sooty dew fungus can grow on this honeydew which coats the plant and fruits. During nutrient ingestion, viruses can be transmitted to the plant, in particular the cucumber mosaic virus.

Cotton aphid natural control can be done by using various natural enemies;

• APHIcontrol: parasitic wasp Aphidius colemani
• APHIDOcontrol: gall midge Aphidoletes aphidimyza
• CHRYSOcontrol: larvae of the lacewing Chrysoperla carnea
• Episyphus belteatus: hoverfly
• Propylea quartuordecimpunctata: larvae of the fourteen spotted ladybird beetle

You can control cotton aphids (aphis gossypii)by biological and chemical methods. Options for natural enemies include parasitic wasps, gall midges, hover flies, ladybugs and lacewing larvae. Effective chemical plant protection products are broad acting insecticides such as Azatin, Closer and Teppeki. 

Not all substances can be used in combination with the natural enemies. For information about side effects refer to the Agrobío Effects App.

In order to reduce or prevent cotton aphid damage in the crop, additional hygiene measures can also be taken. You can also choose to fit insect netting to the air vents. 

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Aphid control in Greenhouses
Aphids cause major problems in horticulture. Some aphids transmit toxins to plants, causing an allergic reaction from the plant. Aphids can also transmit certain viruses inside the greenhouse. Effective control of aphids is therefore essential.

Black bean aphid
In addition to harming beans, the black bean aphid (Aphis fabae) also causes damage to other greenhouse crops, such as alstroemeria, gerbera, cucumber and rose. Outside, this aphid only hibernates on a limited number of host plants. 

Aphidius colemani | Natural enemy against aphids
The parasitic wasp colemani, with its Latin name Aphidius colemani, is known as one of the most effective biological fighters of aphids. Mainly small aphid species are parasitized by the parasitic wasp.