(Aphis craccivora)
Credits: Biovision-Infonet
(c) A.M. Valera, icipe
(c) Clemson University – USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org
(c) A.M. Varela, icipe
It is a widespread pest of cowpeas. Aphids suck sap on stems, terminal shoots and petioles of seedlings, and on pods and flowers of mature plants.
A heavy attack can cause death of young seedlings, stunting and delay in flowering on older plants.
However, it is more important as vector of virus diseases (e.g. the cowpea mosaic virus).
What to do:
- Use resistant varieties where available.
- Monitor build-up of aphids and natural enemies.
- Use neem seed or leaf extracts if necessary.