Currant lettuce aphid

Systematic position: The currant lettuce aphid (Cryptomyzus ribis) is a member of the order Hemiptera and the family Aphididae. It is a specialized sap-sucking insect that causes significant damage to berry shrubs, characterized by specific leaf distortions known as galls.

Host plants: This pest primarily affects red and white currant varieties. While less common on black currants and gooseberries, it can cause severe infestations in favourable environmental conditions, spreading rapidly through plantations during the spring growth phase.

Biology and life cycle: The aphid overwinters in the egg stage on the bark of currant shoots near the buds. As soon as the leaves begin to unfold in spring, the eggs hatch into nymphs. The pest undergoes several generations throughout the season, with some winged forms migrating to herbaceous secondary hosts during the summer before returning to currants in autumn.

Nature of damage and harmfulness: Feeding activity on the undersides of leaves causes the formation of red, yellow, or blister-like galls on the upper leaf surface. These distorted areas reduce photosynthetic efficiency, stunt shoot growth, and lead to premature leaf drop, which significantly decreases the overall yield and plant vigor.

• Pruning and destroying infested leaves and shoots in late spring.
• Managing weeds around the bushes to eliminate secondary hosts like hedge woundwort.
• Promoting natural predators like ladybirds and lacewings in the garden.
• Applying systemic insecticides before the flowering stage for effective control.
• Regular monitoring of the leaf undersides from early spring onwards.