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Corn: Corn Leaf Aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis)

Author: OMAFRA Staff
Creation Date: 04 July 2005
Last Reviewed: 28 July 2007
Pub 812: Field Crop Protection Guide > Chapter 2 : Corn > Corn Leaf Aphid

Excerpt from Chapter 2, Field Crop Protection Guide, Order this publication

Table of Contents

  1. Description
  2. Integrated Pest Management Options
  3. Related links...

Description

These aphids are small (2mm or less), bluish green, soft-bodied insects with black legs and short black cornicles ("tailpipes") near the rear of the abdomen. They have piercing and sucking mouthparts and feed on the juices (nutrients) of young plant tissue (tassel and whorl). They secrete a sticky substance referred to as "honeydew," which can become coated with a blotchy, sooty mould.

Image 1. Corn leaf aphids clustered on corn ear. Tassels and silks may become coated with honeydew, reducing pollination success.
Image 1. Corn leaf aphids clustered on corn ear. Tassels and silks may become coated with honeydew, reducing pollination success.

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Integrated Pest Management Options

Aphids are rarely a problem in corn in Ontario. Spray only if populations exceed 400 aphids per plant on average.

endosulfan – Thiodan 4 EC, Thionex EC
  Thiodan 4 EC Thionex EC
Active ingredient endosulfan endosulfan
Trade name Thiodan 4 EC Thionex EC
Rate per hectare (product) 2.75 L per ha 2.75 L per ha
Rate per acre (product) 1.1 L per ac 1.1 L per ac

Comments
Ground application only. No more than 2 applications per season. 50 days to harvest.

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Related links...

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