Don’t Forget To Scout for Aphids in Wheat

Written collaboratively by Adam Varenhorst, Philip Rozeboom, Patrick Wagner, and Brad McManus.

Originally Submitted: June 6, 2024

Aphids are present in South Dakota wheat fields, and that means it’s time to start scouting. Although they are present, the aphid populations that were observed are still well below the threshold levels. But aphid populations tend to increase unless there is an abundant natural enemy population present (none were observed in the field) or if management occurs. At this time, the English grain aphids were the primary aphid present in both winged and wingless forms. The presence of the winged aphids is an indicator that these populations are just finding the fields. If aphid populations exceed the thresholds, yield loss can occur.  

Aphid Identification

Bird Cherry Oat Aphids

Two dark green aphids with rusty patches on a green plant
Figure 1. Bird cherry oat aphids. (Courtesy: Adam Sisson, Iowa State University, Bugwood.org)
 

These will vary in color from olive to dark green and can be identified by the characteristic burnt red-orange patch that is present on the end of the abdomen near the cornicles or “tailpipes” (Figure 1). Bird cherry oat aphids can be difficult to scout for without a sweep net due to the defensive behavior of falling off the plant when disturbed. They will typically be present on the underside of the leaves, as well as the stem.

English grain aphids

Many yellow-green aphids with dark antennae and cornicles on a stem
Figure 2. English grain aphid. (Credit: Adam Varenhorst, SDSU Extension)
 

Most will be light to dark green in color, but it is possible to also observe a light-brown variation of English grain aphids. They can be identified by their black antennae, cornicles, and joints of each leg (Figure 2). English grain aphids are large in size. During heavy infestations, they can be present on almost every part of the plant aboveground.

Greenbugs

A small group of light green aphids on a green plant.
Figure 3. Greenbug. (Courtesy: Alton N. Spark Jr., University of Georgia, Bugwood.org)
 

These aphids are light green in color and can be identified by the dark-green stripe present on their back. Feeding by this species causes yellow discoloration and red spots on the leaves, due to a toxin present in its saliva (Figure 3).

Scouting Wheat for Aphids

We recommend scouting for aphids in wheat by starting at the edge of the field and walking in a “W” or zig-zag pattern. While walking the pattern, randomly choose twenty plants from each leg and examine the plants for aphids. Aphids are typically present on the leaves and stems of the plants. Table 1 contains the economic thresholds for the three aphid species that we observe on wheat in South Dakota.

If populations exceed the thresholds, please refer to the most-current edition of the South Dakota Pest Management Guide: Wheat. It is important to remember that treating wheat when aphids are well below the threshold does not ensure season long suppression. These prophylactic treatments may actually result in aphid increases over time as insect predators are removed in addition to any aphids that are present at the time of insecticide application.

Table 1. Economic thresholds for aphid pests of wheat.
Pest
Number of Aphids Per Plant
-
Seedling Stage
Boot to Heading Stage
Flowering Stage
Milky Ripe Stage
Milk to Medium Dough Stage
Bird Cherry Oat Aphid
20
30
>5
10
>10
English Grain Aphid
30
50
5
10
>10
Greenbug
5-15
25
>25
>25
>25

Related Topics

Wheat Insects

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