Control
There are various insecticides that can be used to control aphids. There are many plant extracts and plant products that are eco-friendly and control aphids as effectively as chemical insecticides. Shreth et al. suggested use of neem products and lantana products to protect plants against aphids. For small backyard infestations, simply spraying the plants thoroughly with a strong water jet every few days is sufficient protection for roses and other plants.
Integrated pest management of various species of aphids can be achieved using biological insecticides based on microbes such as Lecanicillium lecanii or Beauveria bassiana or Paecilomyces fumosoroseus.
Synthesised neuropeptide analogues are another form of biological control that is being explored by researchers at the United States Agricultural Research Service. Neuropeptide is a chemical signal that aphids use to regulate and control body functions such as digestion, respiration, and water intake. Researchers are seeking ways to alter the molecular structure of neuropeptide so that it cannot be broken down by other enzymes, therefore disrupting the body functions that the chemical controls. In experimental tests, one neuropeptide mimic killed 90%–100% of the aphids within three days. The neuropeptide mimic's rate of mortality is comparable to commercial insecticides; however, the mimic must be thoroughly tested before it can be used as an effective biological agent.
Read more about this topic: Aphid
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