CEREAL APHIDS

Identification & Incidence: Aphids commonly found on Ohio wheat are English grain aphid EGA) and Bird oat cherry aphid BOCA). Greenbug has not identified as a pest of small grains in Ohio, although it does affect Ohio turfgrass. EGA and BOCA may occur in significant numbers, but rarely cause economic injury warranting treatment.

Sampling: Evaluation of an infestation should include a random inspection of numerous heads to determine average incidence. Presence of insect predators, which often control infestations should be noted.

Economic Threshold: Rescue treatment is warranted if an average of 50 greenbugs are found per linear foot of row on small plants in the fall, or 100 per linear foot of row in the spring.

Management Options: Heavy aphid infestations, lacking predator activity, may warrant rescue treatment. See chart for insecticides labeled for aphids on wheat.

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Corn, Soybean, Wheat, and Alfalfa Field GuideBulletin 827