Pacific Pests, Pathogens and Weeds

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Summary

• Worldwide distribution. In tropics and sub-tropics. On onion and other members of the family, including weeds. An important pest.
• Eggs unknown; no males; females produce living young. Adults dark red to black, mostly wingless. Damage from sucking sap, and transmitting viruses.
• Spread by wind, and the trade in onions.
• Natural enemies: many predators and parasitoids.
• Cultural control: do not plant overlapping crops; weed; plastic mulches; collect and burn trash after harvest.
• Chemical control: PDPs: neem, derris, pyrethrum, or chilli; or white, horticultural oils or soap; rosemary oil repels aphids. Synthetic pyrethroids against ants