The International Camellia Society
[ TOPICS ] [Pests & Diseases ] [ Aphids ]

Aphids

by Klaus Peper

Aphids create no serious problem in Camellias, however, if unattended, they can do considerable damage to the plant. They occur on new shoots, are easily detected and can be destroyed mechanically by your fingers, or by the application of water or a mixture of water with fluid soap. Aphids can multiply at an incredibly high rate, thus be prepared, in case of infection, to watch your plants at regular intervals.

See the wonderful copper plate [112 kB] of 1805, where some of the several forms and colours of this beast are illustrated. Almost every plant has its special form of aphids (copperplate Fig. 1: natural size; magnified: Figs. a-f). Most are green, red or black, some have wings (e,f). Aphids have six legs, a sharp sting, and at the rear two tubes where they excrete honey fluid which is searched for and collected by ants. Infested shoots are severely damaged, and the leaves crippled. Take care! Fig 2 displays an infested rose shoot. Fig. 3 illustrate mites in natural size, Fig. g magnified.