Cabbage Aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae
(Hemiptera: Aphididae)

The cabbage aphid is found throughout the United States and in most other countries that have a temperate climate. It is not common in Florida. Up to 20 generations may occur per year, and the insect may overwinter in the egg stage or as adults. The egg is pale yellow or yellow-green, but later becomes glossy black. Nymphs are grayish-green with two rows of black bars along the back, and are commonly covered with a white waxy material that is easily removed. Adults may be winged or wingless, and are grayish-green with a dark head and pale brown legs. The body is usually covered with a white powder or mealy secretion. Plants that are heavily infested by the cabbage aphid will have a grayish appearance due to the mass of aphid bodies on the foliage.

Vegetable crops that are commonly attacked by the cabbage aphid include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, rape, and turnip. Plant leaves will commonly wrinkle and curl, eventually cupping. Younger tissue is usually preferred. The cabbage aphid is capable of transmitting over 30 plant viruses. Populations of the cabbage aphid can be sampled using sticky traps, sweet nets, or water pan traps. Insecticides are commonly used and systemic insecticides are preferred. Foliar insecticides are also applied to maintain a clean crop. Cultural control practices include destruction of crop residue, removal of weed hosts, proper crop nutrition (excess nitrogen favors aphid development), and host plant resistance.

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Cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae, winged adult
and nymphs.
(Photographer: P. Choate, University of Florida)

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Cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae, nymphs and wingless
adults. Note waxy coating.
(Photographer: P. Choate, University of Florida)

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Cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae, single mature nymph
or adult.
(Photographer: P. Choate, University of Florida)

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Cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae,
colony on Brussels sprouts.
(Photographer: J. Capinera, University
of Florida)

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