Description
Three aphid species commonly attack canola in Western Australia:
- Turnip aphid
- Cabbage aphid
- Green peach aphid
Distinguishing features of the three species of aphids found attacking canola in WA
- | Turnip aphid | Cabbage aphid | Green peach aphid |
---|---|---|---|
Length of adult (mm) | 1.4-2.4 | 1.6-2.8 | 1.2-2.3 |
Abdomen colour | Greyish to mid green | Greyish to mid green | Shiny yellow to mid green to pink or red |
Other features | Body often has a light waxy covering, dark bars on abdomen | Body covered with a dense white mealy wax | Black patch on abdomen of winged adults. Wingless forms uniform in colour |
Colony habit | Dense colonies, usually around growing tips and flowering spikes | Dense colonies usually seen on flowering spikes | Mostly found on the underside of lower leaves. Sparse colonies may occur with turnip or cabbage aphids |
Abundance on canola | Usually common and abundant; depending on season | Common and abundant on canola | Common but seldom builds up to large colonies |
Alternative hosts | Wild radish, wild turnip and self sown canola | Wild radish, wild turnip and self sown canola | Wild radish, wild turnip and self sown canola, lupins, capeweed |