Effective Russian Wheat Aphid Control Strategies to Get Rid of the Pest

After a decade, the Russian wheat aphid control remains a major threat to wheat production in arid and irrigated systems in the world. These are small but severe pests that are currently being eradicated from the agricultural aspect since they not only affect wheat production but also transmit wheat streak mosaic virus aphids. The problem of protecting crops for biological control of aphids is emerging as a critical problem for farmers, new methods of which become priorities in controlling aphids on wheat. Continue reading for best pesticide for aphids and aphid biocontrol.

The Threat of Russian Wheat Aphids

Aphids wheat are small, green insects measuring about 3mm long which suck plant sap from wheat and cause leaves to turn yellow and die. In the extreme, infestations may lead to crop devastation right from the ground up. The Russian wheat aphid life cycle includes three stages: Each of the pest stages: egg, nymph and adult is a threat to the health of wheat plants. These aphids feed more on the stalk and sheath of the wheat which causes dwarfism of the plant, low yield and makes it vulnerable to diseases.

Losses due to aphids are high, and in the case of wheat, there are suggestions that wheat producers lost up to $200 million in the US in the year 2012 due to RWA. The pest also makes the plant more susceptible to drought stress and other diseases.

Russian wheat aphid control: New Approaches

The departure to biological control strategy is the trend when the Russian wheat aphid emerges as the problem in the agricultural industry. All these green chemicals are more friendly in the market today since they are very efficient as a way of solving problems than using chemicals. Beauveria WP, best pesticide for aphids from which Beauveria bassiana – is a pathogen of nectar and honeydew – feeding aphids without posing any danger to other beneficial insects or the ecosystem.

The Beauveria WP for the suppression of Russian wheat aphid is unique, exciting and proving highly effective. This product is a biopesticide, one that affects aphids by introducing to them fungal spores that plug into their bodies and kill them through starvation. Beauveria WP does not harm other insects and therefore is more appropriate for controlling pests than chemical pesticides.

Furthermore, natural insect predators such as ladybugs, lacewings and hoverflies can also be used to eliminate aphids even more. These beneficial insects since they feed on aphids or they assist in controlling their quantity with ease. Thus, increasing with time, biological pest control is finding a place in Russian wheat aphid control.

Insecticides for Aphids in Wheat: Aphid biocontrol

Biological control methods are normally on the increase, wheat farmers still resort to the use of insecticides for aphids in wheat. There are chemical insecticides such as insecticidal soaps and oil, which by coating the body of aphids suffocates them and the systemic insecticide, which is taken into the plant and, therefore, into the sap, which is eaten by the aphids. However, controversies surround the effects of these chemicals on the environment and more specifically, their effects on non-target organisms and beneficial insects.

Some of the insecticides that are used to control aphids in wheat agriculture include; pyrethroids and systemic insecticides. But the specialists stress that chemical insecticides should be applied only in extreme need, as, for example, during the war, because bugs can start to get used to them, and beneficial insects can die.

Early Detection and Monitoring

Early detection is the key to successful management of Russian wheat aphid. Wheat farmers are advised to frequently examine their crop for aphids and signs such as yellowing or wilting leaves, stunted growth and the pests themselves. It is easier to manage aphids by identifying areas of high concentration, by using yellow sticky traps and regular visual inspections.

It is however understood that the management of aphids needs to involve both a biological and chemical management strategy as well as preventive measures. Getting plant and varieties to the field early, drawing right plant to right varieties and containing weed are key practices in reducing aphids infestation on crops.

Biological control of aphids in the Future

In modern days and as the trend of practicing the safe russian wheat aphid control methods, biological control of these aphids in wheat farming is approved. Some chemicals such as Beauveria WP (best pesticide for aphids) are enabling farmers to manage their aphids challenges without compromising the health of their soil and environment. Moreover, the farmers can take effective measures in advance by controlling the number of aphids and by using natural enemies to minimize the damage of the yield of the wheat crop.

The future of aphid management in wheat lands has more challenges and the agricultural sector should look for technology applications for management of these pests especially in areas where it is and has been experiencing high infestations of RWA. The integration of biocontrol techniques, primary measures and timely intervention is the most effective course of action to follow to minimize instances of or deal with the devastation that haunts wheat crops.

Therefore, despite the situation that Russian wheat aphids control continues threatening the yield of the wheat crop, there is a gradually increasing popularity of biological methods like Beauveria WP and using natural enemies for controlling these pests. This is very likely to transform aphid control in wheat and aphid biocontrol as the industry shifts to environmentally sustainable options to keep farmers’ yields safe.

References:

1. Hatting, Justin L., Stephen P. Wraight, and Ray M. Miller. “Efficacy of Beauveria bassiana (Hyphomycetes) for control of Russian wheat aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) on resistant wheat under field conditions.” Biocontrol Science and Technology 14.5 (2004): 459-473.
2. Wang, Z. G., and G. R. Knudsen. “Effect of Beauveria bassiana (Fungi: Hyphomycetes) on fecundity of the Russian wheat aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae).” Environmental Entomology 22.4 (1993): 874-878.