Scientific Name

Diuraphis noxia

 

Hosts

Wheat. 

 

Symptoms

Russian wheat aphids feed on the newest growth on the plant and effectively cause cessation of chlorophyll production in those leaves. As it feeds, the Russian wheat aphid causes the leaf to curl and creates an enclosure that protects the insect from climate, natural enemies, and insecticides. Damage symptoms include white, yellow, or purple longitudinal streaks on the leaf and prostrate growth of the plant. Russian wheat aphid is normally more of a problem in the Oklahoma Panhandle. 

 

Description

1/16 inch long, light green, spindle-shaped with short antennae and no prominent cornicles. It has a projection above the hind end that gives it a double-tail appearance. 

 

Control

Please contact your local county extension office for current information.