Submitted to: Florida Entomologist
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: September 18, 2000
Publication Date: N/A
Interpretive Summary: The Aphididae represent an economically important group of insects. Aphids are plant feeding insects that extract plant fluids through fine tube-like mouthparts. Aphids may damage plants not only through the mechanical feeding injury but some species also serve as vectors of plant viruses. Aphids also secrete "honeydew" as a byproduct of their feeding. Honeydew is high in plant sugars. When it collects on adjacent leaves, it can serv as a medium for saprophytic fungi. As fungi grow on the leaf surface, they reduce the photosynthetic properties and overall vigor of the plant. Twelve species of aerial feeding aphids and one species of root feeding aphid are considered in the present research. This paper provides keys and illustrations for species determination. This work provides a means for determining those aphid species that are able to transmit corn diseases and will be helpful for farmers, gardners, and extension workers for identifying aphids on corn.
Technical Abstract:
Twelve aphid species known to colonize and feed on the aerial portions of corn and one root feeding species are described and illustrated. An identification key for both winged and wingles adults females is given. Distribution of included aphids within the U.S. and the world is provided.
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