Scientific Name

Rhopalosiphum padi

 

Hosts

Wheat. They are very efficient vectors of barley yellow dwarf virus.

 

Symptoms

This aphid is not considered to be an economically important pest of winter wheat; however, research in the northern plains suggests that it causes more yield loss in spring wheat than was originally believed. Research is currently being conducted to examine its pest status more closely. It does not cause visible injury symptoms. Heavy infestations will cause plants to become sticky with honeydew, the liquid waste that is excreted by aphids as they feed.

 

Description

Olive-green with a red-orange patch surrounding the base of each cornicle. Old, wingless, overwintering adult aphids may appear black in color.

 

Control

Please contact your local county extension office for current information.