The effect of the root aphid, Pemphigus fuscicornis Koch., on sugar beet
1996
Ioannidis, P.M. (Hellenic Sugar Industry, Platy Imathias (Greece). Crop Protection Division)
The root aphid Pemphigus fuscicornis can be found in sugarbeet fields in the countries of eastern Europe and has expanded gradually to other countries. It was detected for the first time in 1959 in the Ukraine, and in 1985 in Greece. Even the presence of a small number of aphids can affect the development of the plant, reducing the weight and the sugar content of the root. Dry weather conditions and early attacks during May can give losses of 30 to 50 per cent. Attacks in July can give losses of 20 to 35 per cent. However if there is frequent rain during the vegetation growth period the attacks are not important. The appearance and spread of the root aphid is favoured by dry conditions, non-crop rotation and specific weeds of the area. The control of the aphid is based on crop rotation and intense irrigation. In field trials since 1993 in Greece, it was found that the systemic insecticide triazamate (with both upward and downward movement within plants tissue) applied as foliar spray, has given very good control, destroying the aphids feeding on the roots.
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