HPIPM:Corn Leaf Aphid SC

Taxonomy

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Arthropoda
Subphylum	Hexapoda
Class	Insecta
Subclass	Pterygota
Infraclass	Neoptera
Superorder	Paraneoptera
Order	Hemiptera
Suborder	Sternorrhyncha
Superfamily	Aphidoidea
Family	Aphididae
Subfamily	Aphidinae
Tribe	Aphidini
Genus	Rhopalosiphum

Scientific Name

Rhopalosiphum maidis

Common Name

corn leaf aphid

Author: Whitney S. Cranshaw

Identification and life history

The corn leaf aphid is a dark blue-green aphid and it does not have a stripe down the back. The head, feet, legs and cornicles of the corn leaf aphid are black. This aphid often develops inside the plant whorl and is usually most abundant at tasseling.

Plant Response and damage

Corn leaf aphid feeds by sucking sap from leaves and flowering parts which are growing actively. Feeding by corn leaf aphids does not cause adverse plant reactions such as chlorosis. Under conditions of adequate moisture, corn leaf aphid does not normally decrease yields. Drought or extreme honeydew production by the aphids that interferes with pollination can affect yield. Populations naturally collapse after tasseling.

Cultural Control

Adequate irrigation and fertilization will usually let plants tolerate moderate densities of corn leaf aphids with lowering yield. Aphids are susceptible to drowning and dislodging from the plant by hard rains and overhead irrigation.

Biological Control

Corn leaf aphid populations are subject to control by many different natural enemy species, including parasitic wasps and predators such as syrphid fly larvae. This biological control is fostered by avoiding insecticide applications unless necessary.

Chemical Control

Corn leaf aphids seldom occur in damaging densities. Control if plants are water-stressed and honeydew accumulation is disrupting pollination.

Product List for Corn Leaf Aphid:

Insecticide	Product per Acre	Preharvest Interval, remarks
Thiodan 5OW	2 lb	(1 day) 48 hour reentry interval requirement proposed. Some rotational
Thiodan 3E, Endocide 3E	1.3 qt	restrictions with root crops. Chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide (endosulfan). Not for processed sweet corn. Do not feed stalks to livestock. Maximum of three applications.
Asana XLR1	5.8 - 9.6 fl oz	(1 day) Restrkted Use. Proposed 24 hour reentry interval. Pyrethroid insecticide (esfeavalerate). Some rotation restrictions with root crops.
Metasystox-RR	1.5-2 Pt	(7 days) 48 hour reentry.
RRestricted use pesticide

The information herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and that listing of commercial products, necessary to this guide, implies no endorsement by the authors or the Extension Services of Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming or Montana. Criticism of products or equipment not listed is neither implied nor intended. Due to constantly changing labels, laws and regulations, the Extension Services can assume no liability for the suggested use of chemicals contained herein. Pesticides must be applied legally complying with all label directions and precautions on the pesticide container and any supplemental labeling and rules of state and federal pesticide regulatory agencies. State rules and regulations and special pesticide use allowances may vary from state to state: contact your State Department of Agriculture for the rules, regulations and allowances applicable in your state and locality.