Crescent-marked lily aphid

Taxonomy: Neomyzus circumflexus belongs to the order Hemiptera and the family Aphididae. Often referred to as the crescent-marked lily aphid, it is a significant pest primarily affecting plants grown in greenhouses and indoor environments.

Host plants: This aphid is a highly polyphagous species. It infests a wide range of botanical families, including Liliaceae, Solanaceae, and Caryophyllaceae. Favorite hosts include lilies, cyclamens, orchids, and various vegetable seedlings like tomatoes and peppers.

Biology and life cycle: The species reproduces primarily through parthenogenesis in greenhouse conditions, allowing for rapid population growth throughout the year. The aphids typically aggregate on the underside of leaves and along tender new stems, where they feed on phloem sap.

Damage and economic impact: Direct feeding damage results in leaf curling, yellowing, and stunted plant growth. Beyond the physical damage, the aphid is a highly efficient vector for numerous plant viruses, which often leads to more severe crop losses than the direct feeding of the insects themselves.

Management and control: Controlling this pest requires an integrated approach. Essential strategies include:

• maintaining strict greenhouse hygiene
• regular monitoring using yellow sticky traps
• releasing natural predators and parasitoids
• applying systemic insecticides when necessary and appropriate for the specific crop