Rose Aphid Pest Management in Rose: Symptoms, Treatment, Chemical, Biological, and Organic Control

The Rose Aphid, Macrosiphum rosaeformis, belonging to the Family Aphididae of the Order Hemiptera, is a tiny insect pest that causes significant yield losses and reduces the quality of crops worldwide. It is also called Rose Lice Pest. It is a notorious pest because it reproduces quickly and can quickly establish large populations, making it difficult to control the pest. They can also transmit viruses and diseases to roses, making them more susceptible to other pests and pathogens.

Effective management strategies are essential to minimize the impact of this pest on Rose production. To effectively manage this pest, it is necessary to understand its life cycle, its preferred habitats, and the best methods for controlling it. This article will provide an overview and discussion of the Rose Aphid Pest in Rose crops, including its symptoms, identification techniques, and control.

Rose Aphid Pest Management in Rose

Life Cycle of Rose Aphid Pest in Rose Crop

The life cycle of the Rose Aphid pest has three stages. They are egg, nymph, and adult. The lifecycle of the rose aphid begins when the female lays eggs on the plant’s surface, usually on young, tender shoots or leaves. The eggs hatch after a few days, depending on the temperature and environmental conditions. The eggs hatch into nymphs, feed on the host plant sap, and moult several times, shedding their skin as they grow.

During this stage, the aphids develop wings, which they will use to disperse to other plants once they reach adulthood. Once the nymphs mature, they become fully grown adults and start reproducing. Wings in an adult depend on environmental conditions and the population’s density. Winged aphids can fly to new host plants, while wingless aphids remain on the plant, feeding and reproducing.

Female adults reproduce through a process called parthenogenesis. They can produce live offspring without mating with a male. The offspring are clones of the mother aphid and can mature and reproduce in just a few days, leading to a rapid increase in the aphid population. The pest’s lifecycle is relatively short, with each stage lasting 4-14 days, depending on the temperature and environmental conditions. It can produce several generations in a single growing season.

Occurrence of Rose Aphid Pest in Rose Crop

Location of Rose Aphid Pest: This pest infests Rose crops in India, Africa, Sri Lanka, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, the Philippines, and Australia.
Host Range: The Rose Aphid pest infects crops like Rose, Apple, Pear, Plum, Peach, Petunia, Dahlia, Chrysanthemum, Pepper, Eggplant, Tomato, Hosta, Aster, and Coneflower.

Factors Favoring the Population Increase of Rose Aphid Pest in Rose Crop

Temperature – The pest thrives in warm temperatures, with optimal growth between 15.5-26.7°C.
High Humidity – The pest prefers a moist environment and can reproduce more rapidly in humid conditions.
Young Growth – The pest is attracted to young, tender shoots and buds, where they feed on the plant’s sap. Newly planted roses or young plants are more susceptible.
Lack of Natural Predators – The absence of natural predators, like ladybugs and parasitic wasps, can allow the pest population to grow.
Nitrogen-Rich Soil – Soil rich in nitrogen can stimulate the growth of new shoots and leaves, which lures the pest. Over-fertilizing the soil can lead to an increase in pest populations.
Overcrowding – Planting roses too closely together or neglecting to prune can create an environment favourable for the pest’s growth and spread.

Identification of Rose Aphid Pest in Rose Crop

Egg: The eggs are usually small and oval and can be pale green or yellow.
Nymph: The nymphs are wingless and look like smaller versions of the adults.
Adult: The adults have a soft, pear-shaped body, red eyes, and black cornicles and can be either winged or wingless, light green to pinkish green.

Damage Symptoms of Rose Aphid Pest in Rose Crop

The pest is a tiny, soft-bodied insect that feeds on the sap of tender leaves, buds and twigs of roses by piercing the plant’s tissue with its mouthparts.
They tend to colonize the young shoots and buds of the plant, which can cause the buds to deform or wither and drop prematurely, leading to stunted growth, discolouration, reduced flower production, and even death of the plant.
They also produce a sticky, sugary substance called honeydew, which attracts ants and other insect pests.
They make hole wounds on the unopened flowers, which can be observed prominently after the flowers open; this reduces the marketability of the crop.

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Percentage of Yield Loss in Roses Due to Rose Aphid Pest

In India, the yield losses due to Rose Aphid pests are 40%. In Thailand, the percentage of yield loss is 30%. In Vietnam, the losses are 20-30%. In Sri Lanka, the losses are 20%. In Indonesia, the losses are 25%. In Africa, it is 30%. In the United States, it is 35%. In Mexico, it is 25-30%. In Brazil, it is 30%. In China, it is 20-30%.
In Colombia, the losses are 20%. In Ecuador, it is 30%. In Australia, it is 20%. In the Philippines, the yield losses are 25%. The Economic Threshold Level (ETL) for the Rose Aphid pest is set at 20-25% crop infestation.

Cultural Control of Rose Aphid Pest in Rose Crop

Sanitation – Remove and dispose of all plant debris, including fallen leaves and petals, dead flowers, and other plant parts, to prevent the build-up of pests and diseases.
Pruning – Proper pruning of roses can improve air circulation, reduce humidity, and increase sunlight exposure. Prune at the right time to prevent damage, preferably during the dormant season.
Companion Planting – To deter the pest, plant crops that are less attractive to pests, such as garlic, chives, marigolds, nasturtiums, and onions.
Row Covers – Covering rose crops with a fine mesh netting or row covers to prevent the pest from infesting the plants.
Other Practices – Other control measures such as maintaining good plant nutrition, irrigation management, and timely application of fertilizers can help maintain healthy plants, which are less susceptible to pests.

Biological Control of Rose Aphid Pest in Rose Crop

Predators – Natural predators like ladybirds, ladybugs, hoverflies, lacewings, and predatory mites, attack and feed on the pest, reducing their populations.
Parasitoids – Parasitoids like Aphidius matricariae and Aphidius colemani lay their eggs inside the pest’s body and feed from the inside, ultimately killing it.
Entomopathogenic Fungi – Entomopathogenic fungi, such as Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, infect and kill the pest.

Chemical Control of Rose Aphid Pest in Rose Crop

Spray Insecticides on the crops like Malathion, Methyl Demeton, Methyl Parathion, Imidacloprid, Clothianidin, Thiamethoxam, and Pyrethroids on the foliage to control the pest.
Insect Growth Regulators – IGRs like Pyriproxyfen and Buprofezin work by preventing the pest from reaching adulthood and reproducing.

Organic Control of Rose Aphid Pest in Rose Crop

Plant extracts from neem, garlic, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, hot pepper, and Rose can be applied to manage the infestation.
Neem oil and Garlic extract disrupt the pest’s nervous system and its ability to feed and reproduce, ultimately killing them.
Clove oil, Peppermint oil, and Eucalyptus oil disrupt the pest’s hormonal balance and inhibit its feeding and reproductive abilities.
Pyrethrum, obtained from chrysanthemum, contains neurotoxins that paralyze and kill the pest.
Spinosad produced by the soil bacterium Saccharopolyspora spinosa should be sprayed on the leaves and stems of the plants to control the pest.
Insecticidal soaps, made from potassium salts of fatty acids, dissolve the protective wax layer on the pest’s cuticle, causing dehydration and death.

Preventive Measures for Control of Rose Aphid Pest in Rose Crop

Mulching – Use a layer of organic mulch around the crop to help conserve moisture, reduce plant stress, and maintain vigour.
Site Selection – Plant crops in good air circulation and full sunlight. Avoid planting in areas with dense shade or poor drainage, as these conditions can favour pest infestations.
Resistant Varieties – Planting healthy, resistant, or tolerant varieties can prevent pest incidence.
Regular Monitoring – Monitor the crops regularly to identify pest infestation in the early stages to keep it under control.
Sticky Traps – Use yellow sticky traps to monitor the pest’s activity and determine the control measures.

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Conclusion

The Rose Aphid Pest, Macrosiphum rosaeformis, is a destructive pest that affects Rose crops worldwide, causing significant yield losses. IPM combines multiple pest control strategies, including biological, cultural, and chemical control methods, to prevent or manage pest damage while minimizing environmental harm and non-target organisms.

Rose Aphid Pest Management in Rose: Symptoms, Treatment, Chemical, Biological, and Organic Control

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