Turnip Aphid, Lipaphis pseudobrassicae
(Hemiptera: Aphididae)

The turnip aphid is found in both tropical and temperate areas and is reported throughout the United States. The turnip aphid is very prolific and 11 to 25 generations are produced annually. Nymphs are pale greenish-yellow and are very similar in appearance to the adults. The adults are whitish-green with two rows of dark bands on the abdomen. The legs are pale and the antennae are dark. The entire body may be covered with a white waxy substance, but less so than in cabbage aphid.

Vegetable crops that are commonly attacked include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, and turnip. The turnip aphid feeds mainly on the undersides of leaves and may feed on both sides of the leaf if high populations are present. Stems may also be fed upon and heavy infestations may cause plant death. Plant symptoms include stunting, yellowing of the foliage, and leaf cupping. The turnip aphid is capable of transmitting over 10 plant viruses. Plant populations that are present in the field may be determined by the use of sampling techniques such as sticky traps and water pans. Insecticides are commonly used to manage populations of the turnip aphid. Systemic and non-systemic insecticides are often applied at short intervals. Cultural control methods include host plant resistance and crop sanitation.

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Turnip aphid, Lipaphis erysimi, colony on Brassica leaf with
many parasitized aphids or mummies.
(Photographer: J. Castner, University of Florida)

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