Green apple aphid (Aphis pomi). These 2.3 mm large green aphids occur on woody crops such as apple, pear and hawthorn. Green apple aphids are found throughout Europe, North Africa and North America.
This louse overwinters as an egg on the tree or shrub. The eggs hatch into female lice in the spring, which populate the new shoots in June and July. In August, winged aphids lay eggs on young twigs. The green apple aphid overwinters as an egg. The aphids secrete honeydew, which can cause sooty mold to form. Ants often appear near the aphids to ‘milk’ them for the honeydew.
The damage to the trees and shrubs is minor – this 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, soapy water spray, rhubarb solution, nettle solution or with the larvae of ladybird (Adalia).
Prevention
Natural enemies include: birds, ladybirds, earwigs, parasitoid wasps and lacewings.
