Rosy Apple Aphid

family: aphididae
species: dysaphis plantaginea
common names: rosy apple aphid
hosts: apples
notes:

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Insect Identification Shoot No. 24 1977 Rosy Apple Aphid Dysaphis plantaginea (Passerini) The rosy apple aphid is a serious pest of apple trees in Canada.

Injury:

The rosy apple aphid attacks new growth early in the season and infested leaves curl tightly. New shoots are twisted and deformed and often stop growing. Apples on infected shoots fail to size up, are misshapen and are called "aphid apples".

Life Cycle:

The aphid overwinters as a black shiny egg on or near fruit spurs. The eggs hatch early in the spring and the young aphids invade the opening bud. These aphids produce several generations during the spring and terminal growth is infested as it develops causing deformities. Inside each curled leaf a colony of pink to purplish-colored aphids may be found. In June, winged forms are produced which leave the apple tree and fly to an alternate host such as plantain or ribgrass. After several generations of wingless aphids, winged forms are produced in the fall; these fly back to apple trees where they produce male and female aphids. These mate and lay eggs on buds and spurs.

Pest Management:

Because rosy apple aphids live within curled leaves, they are protected from direct sprays. Consult your provincial Department of Agriculture for control recommendations.