Damage: Aphids can cause premature senescence and reduce yields, especially large populations. But the main economic impact of aphids on potatoes is virus transmission, especially Potato Leafroll Virus (PLRV) and Potato Virus Y (PVY). Green peach aphid and potato aphid are the most common aphid species in potato fields, but other aphids can spread viruses while passing through in search of more suitable hosts.
Scouting: Potato growers should monitor fields for aphids often to identify early infestations. Aphids can reproduce rapidly and large infestations can be difficult to control with a single insecticide application.
Control: Some aphicides are better than others at limiting spread of PVY. Many that work via ingestion kill aphids too slowly to prevent spread; an exception is selective feeding blockers that kill slowly but stop feeding within hours. Contact insecticides can be useful to knockback aphid populations, but many do not have long enough residual activity or coverage of new growth to prevent migrating aphids from spreading PVY between applications.
Scientific Name:
various species
Type:
Insects & Mites
Photos
A winged green peach aphid morph (photo by Andy Jensen, NW Potato Research Consortium). A "morph" is a distinct form within a species. Wingless aphid morphs never develop wings. They are colonizers whose purpose is to build up the population. The winged morphs are migrators and are most prevalent in the spring and fall when they are looking for a new place to live.
A wingless green peach aphid morph (photo by Andy Jensen, NW Potato Research Consortium).
Control Options for Aphid on Potatoes
| Material | Application per Acre | REI | PHI | MOA | Eff. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
imidacloprid (Admire Pro (seed treatment)) |
See Label | - | - | 4A | E | It may work too slowly to prevent spread of Potato Virus Y, especially when winged (migratory) aphid numbers are high. Apply at 0.17-0.35 fl oz/100 lb seed. |
|
clothianidin (Belay (seed treatment)) |
See Label | - | - | 4A | E | It may work too slowly to prevent spread of Potato Virus Y, especially when winged (migratory) aphid numbers are high. Apply at 0.4-0.6 fl oz/100 lb seed. |
|
thiamethoxam + fludioxonil + difenoconazole (Cruiser Maxx Potato Extreme) |
0.31 fl oz/100 lb seed | 12 h | - | IRAC 4A; FRAC 12, 3 | E-F(PYV) | It may work too slowly to prevent the rapid spread of Potato Virus Y when migratory aphid numbers are high. |
|
thiamethoxam + fludioxonil (Cruiser Maxx Potato Insecticide and Fungicide) |
See Label | 12 h | - | IRAC 4A; FRAC 12 | E | It may work too slowly to prevent spread of Potato Virus Y, especially when winged (migratory) aphid numbers are high. Apply at 0.19-0.27 fl oz/100 lb seed. |
|
thiamethoxam + fludioxonil + difenoconazole + sedaxane (Cruiser Maxx Vibrance Potato) |
0.5 fl oz/100 lb seed | 12 h | - | IRAC 4A; FRAC 12, 3, 7 | E-F(PYV) | It may work too slowly to prevent the rapid spread of Potato Virus Y when migratory aphid numbers are high. |
| Material | Application per Acre | REI | PHI | MOA | Eff. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
imidacloprid (Admire Pro (soil application)) |
5.7-8.7 fl oz | 12 h | - | 4A | E | It may work too slowly to prevent spread of Potato Virus Y, especially when winged (migratory) aphid numbers are high. |
|
clothianidin (Belay (soil application)) |
9-12 fl oz | 12 h | - | 4A | E | It may work too slowly to prevent spread of Potato Virus Y, especially when winged (migratory) aphid numbers are high. |
|
thiamethoxam (Platinum 75 SG) |
1.66-2.67 oz | 12 h | - | 4A | E | It may work too slowly to prevent spread of Potato Virus Y, especially when winged (migratory) aphid numbers are high. |
|
phorate (Thimet 20-G SmartBox) |
See Label | 72 h | 90 d | 1 | G-F | Expect only 50 days of residual control. It may work too slowly to prevent spread of Potato Virus Y, especially when winged (migratory) aphid numbers are high. |
| Material | Application per Acre | REI | PHI | MOA | Eff. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
thiamethoxam (Actara) |
3 oz | 12 h | 14 d | 4A | E | Apply when aphids are first detected. |
|
imidacloprid (Admire Pro (foliar)) |
1.3 fl oz | 12 h | 7 d | 4A | G | Apply to foliage when aphids are first detected. Expect shorter residual activity compared to seed treatment or soil application of Admire Pro. |
|
esfenvalerate (Asana XL) |
5.8-9.6 fl oz | 12 h | 7 d | 3 | F-P | Apply before aphid populations start to build, but only if it’s before mid-June. Not particularly effective for aphids. |
|
acetamiprid (Assail 70WP) |
1-1.7 oz | 12 h | 7 d | 4A | E | Apply when aphids are first detected. |
|
azadirachtin (Aza-Direct) |
1-3.5 pt | 4 h | 0 d | NC | F-P | Apply when aphids first appear. It may work too slowly to limit spread of Potato Virus Y, especially when winged (migratory) aphid numbers are high. Does not provide immediate mortality. |
|
beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid XL) |
2.8 fl oz | 12 h | 0 d | 3 | F-P | Apply before aphid populations build, but only if it’s before mid-June. Not very effective for aphids. |
|
mineral oil/petroleum distillate (BioCover MLT) |
See Label | 4 h | - | NC | F-P | Apply when aphids first appear to limit spread of Potato Virus Y, or before aphids are present in large numbers if the goal is to keep aphid numbers in check and virus spread is not a concern. |
|
bifenthrin + imidacloprid (Brigadier) |
3.8-6.14 fl oz | 12 h | 21 d | 3, 4A | G | Apply before aphid populations build, but only if it’s before mid-June. |
|
flonicamid (Carbine 50 WG) |
2.0-2.8 oz | 12 h | 7 d | 29 | E | Apply before populations start to build, or before a systemic aphicide treatment breaks down. Rapid feeding cessation, so it is a good choice to limit spread of Potato Virus Y. |
|
novaluron + acetamidiprid (Cormoran) |
9-12 fl oz | 12 h | 14 d | 15, 4A | G | Apply when aphids are first detected. The novaluron in Cormoran is not very effective for aphids. |
|
dimethoate (Dimethoate 400 EC) |
0.5-1.0 pt | 48 h | 0 d | 1B | G | It will knockback aphid populations, but products with longer residual activity are preferred for controlling migratory aphids and limiting Potato Virus Y spread. Better for late season to knockback multiple pests. |
|
cyantraniliprole (Exirel) |
13.5-20.5 fl oz | 12 h | 7 d | 28 | G | Apply before aphid populations build. Rapid anti-feeding activity helps to limit spread of viruses, like Potato Virus Y, that spread quickly. |
|
pymetrozine (Fulfill) |
2.75-5.5 oz | 12 h | 14 d | 9B | E | Apply before populations start to build, or before a systemic aphicide treatment breaks down. Rapid feeding cessation, and aphids die 3-5 days later. A good choice to limit spread of Potato Virus Y. Apply 5.5 oz/A if also targeting psyllids. |
|
methomyl (Lannate LV) |
1.5-3.0 pt | 48 h | 6 d | 1A | F | It will knockback aphids. Products with longer residuals are preferred for controlling migratory aphids and limiting Potato Virus Y spread. Better for late season to knockback multiple pests. |
|
beta-cyfluthrin + imidacloprid (Leverage 360) |
2.8 fl oz | 12 h | 7 d | 3, 4 | G | Apply before aphid populations build, but only if it’s before mid-June. |
|
abamectin + cyantraniprole (Minecto Pro) |
10 fl oz | 12 h | 14 d | 6, 28 | G | Apply before aphid populations build. Rapid anti-feeding activity helps to limit spread of viruses, like Potato Virus Y, that spread quickly. The abamectin in Minecto Pro is not very effective for aphids. |
|
spirotetramat (Movento HL) |
2.0-2.5 fl oz | 24 h | 7 d | 23 | E-G | Apply before populations build, or about 10 days before an earlier systemic insecticide breaks down. It may work too slowly to prevent spread of Potato Virus Y, especially when winged (migratory) aphid numbers are high. |
|
zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang Maxx) |
3.2-4.0 fl oz | 12 h | 1 d | 3 | F-P | Apply before aphid populations start to build, and it is before mid-June. Not particularly effective for aphids. |
|
azadirachtin (Neemix 4.5 IGR) |
5-7 fl oz | 4 h | 0 d | NC | F-P | Apply when aphids first appear. It may work too slowly to limit spread of Potato Virus Y, especially when winged (migratory) aphid numbers are high. Does not provide immediate mortality. |
|
pyrethrins (PyGanic Crop Protection EC 5.0) |
4.5-15.61 fl oz | 12 h | 0 d | 3A | F-P | Apply when insects first appear. Don’t wait until plants are heavily infested. It may work too slowly to limit spread of Potato Virus Y, especially when winged (migratory) aphid numbers are high. |
|
afidopyropen (Sefina) |
3 fl oz | 12 h | 7 d | 9D | E | Apply at the first sign of aphids. Anti-feeding activity should limit spread of potato viruses. |
|
flupyradifurone (Sivanto 200 SL) |
7-10.5 fl oz | 4 h | 7 d | 4D | E | Early-to-mid season application will cover several migrating pests. Apply before populations build. Rapid anti-feeding activity helps to limit spread of viruses, like Potato Virus Y, that spread quickly. Use the highest allowed rate when aphid pressure is high, foliage is dense, or with aerial application. |
|
tolfenpyrad (Torac) |
17-21 fl oz | 12 h | 14 d | 21A | G | Apply when aphids are present for knockback control with anti-feeding. Contact insecticide with limited residual activity, so good coverage is important, especially when leaf growth is rapid, and other insecticides may be needed to extend control. |
|
sulfoxaflor (Transform WG) |
0.75-1.5 oz | 24 h | 7 d | 4C | E | Early-to-mid season application will cover aphids and some other migrating pests. Apply when aphids are migrating into potatoes. |
|
neem oil (Trilogy) |
See Label | 4 h | 0 d | NC | F-P | Apply before aphids are present in large numbers if the goal is to keep aphid numbers in check and virus spread is not a concern. Apply when aphids first appear to limit virus spread, however it may work too slowly to limit spread of Potato Virus Y, especially when winged (migratory) aphid numbers are high. Does not provide immediate mortality. |
|
oxamyl (Vydate C-LV) |
1.1-2.1 pt | 48 h | 7 d | 1A | G-F | Applications targeting nematodes may suppress aphids but are not expected to control large infestations. Apply before populations build, or before an earlier systemic aphicide breaks down. Re-treat after 14-days if aphids continue to move into the field and your goal is to limit spread of Potato Virus Y. |
|
lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior II) |
1.28-1.92 fl oz | 24 h | 7 d | 3 | F-P | Apply before aphid populations start to build, and it is before mid-June. Not particularly effective for aphids. |
| Material | Application per Acre | REI | PHI | MOA | Eff. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
thiamethoxam (Actara) |
3 oz | 12 h | 14 d | 4A | E | Apply when aphids are first detected. |
|
esfenvalerate (Asana XL) |
5.8 to 9.6 fl oz | 12 h | 7 d | 3 | P | Not particularly effective for aphids. Use of pyrethroid insecticides is not recommended mid-season. If used, monitor for subsequent pest outbreaks. |
|
acetamiprid (Assail 70WP) |
1-1.7 oz | 12 h | 7 d | 4A | E | Apply when aphids are first detected. |
|
azadirachtin (Aza-Direct) |
1-3.5 pt | 4 h | 0 d | NC | F-P | Apply when aphids first appear. It may work too slowly to limit spread of Potato Virus Y, especially when winged (migratory) aphid numbers are high. Does not provide immediate mortality. |
|
beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid XL) |
2.8 fl oz | 12 h | 0 d | 3 | P | Use of pyrethroid insecticides is not recommended mid-season. Not very effective for aphids. If used, apply before aphid populations build. Monitor for subsequent pest outbreaks. |
|
mineral oil/petroleum distillate (BioCover MLT) |
See Label | 4 h | - | NC | F-P | Apply when aphids first appear to limit spread of Potato Virus Y, or before aphids are present in large numbers if the goal is to keep aphid numbers in check and virus spread is not a concern. |
|
bifenthrin + imidacloprid (Brigadier) |
3.8-6.14 fl oz | 12 h | 21 d | 3, 4A | P | Use of pyrethroid insecticides is not recommended mid-season. If used, apply before aphid populations build. Monitor for subsequent pest outbreaks. |
|
flonicamid (Carbine 50 WG) |
2.0-2.8 oz | 12 h | 7 d | 29 | E | Apply before populations start to build, or before a systemic aphicide treatment breaks down. Rapid feeding cessation, so it is a good choice to limit spread of Potato Virus Y. |
|
novaluron + acetamidiprid (Cormoran) |
9-12 fl oz | 12 h | 14 d | 15, 4A | G | Apply when aphids are first detected. The novaluron in Cormoran is not very effective for aphids. |
|
dimethoate (Dimethoate 400 EC) |
0.5-1.0 pt | 48 h | 0 d | 1B | G | It will knockback aphid populations, but products with longer residual activity are preferred for controlling migratory aphids and limiting Potato Virus Y spread. Better for late season to knockback multiple pests. |
|
cyantraniliprole (Exirel) |
13.5-20.5 fl oz | 12 h | 7 d | 28 | G | Apply before aphid populations build. Rapid anti-feeding activity helps to limit spread of viruses, like Potato Virus Y, that spread quickly. |
|
pymetrozine (Fulfill) |
2.75-5.5 oz | 12 h | 14 d | 9B | E | Apply before populations start to build, or before a systemic aphicide treatment breaks down. Rapid feeding cessation, and aphids die 3-5 days later. A good choice to limit spread of Potato Virus Y. Apply 5.5 oz/A if also targeting psyllids. |
|
methomyl (Lannate LV) |
1.5-3.0 pt | 48 h | 6 d | 1A | F | It will knockback aphids. Products with longer residuals are preferred for controlling migratory aphids and limiting Potato Virus Y spread. Better for late season to knockback multiple pests. |
|
beta-cyfluthrin + imidacloprid (Leverage 360) |
2.8 fl oz | 12 h | 7 d | 3, 4 | P | Use of pyrethroid insecticides is not recommended mid-season. If used, apply before aphid populations build. Monitor for subsequent pest outbreaks. |
|
abamectin + cyantraniprole (Minecto Pro) |
10 fl oz | 12 h | 14 d | 6, 28 | G | Apply before aphid populations build. Rapid anti-feeding activity helps to limit spread of viruses, like Potato Virus Y, that spread quickly. The abamectin in Minecto Pro is not very effective for aphids. |
|
spirotetramat (Movento HL) |
2.0-2.5 fl oz | 24 h | 7 d | 23 | E-G | Apply before populations build, or about 10 days before an earlier systemic insecticide breaks down. It may work too slowly to prevent spread of Potato Virus Y, especially when winged (migratory) aphid numbers are high. |
|
zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang Maxx) |
3.2-4.0 fl oz | 12 h | 1 d | 3 | P | Use of pyrethroid insecticides is not recommended mid-season. Not very effective for aphids. If used, apply before aphid populations build. Monitor for subsequent pest outbreaks. |
|
azadirachtin (Neemix 4.5 IGR) |
5-7 fl oz | 4 h | 0 d | NC | F-P | Apply when aphids first appear. It may work too slowly to limit spread of Potato Virus Y, especially when winged (migratory) aphid numbers are high. Does not provide immediate mortality. |
|
pyrethrins (PyGanic Crop Protection EC 5.0) |
4.5-15.61 fl oz | 12 h | 0 d | 3A | F-P | Apply when insects first appear. Don’t wait until plants are heavily infested. It may work too slowly to limit spread of Potato Virus Y, especially when winged (migratory) aphid numbers are high. |
|
afidopyropen (Sefina) |
3 fl oz | 12 h | 7 d | 9D | E | Apply at the first sign of aphids. Anti-feeding activity should limit spread of potato viruses. |
|
flupyradifurone (Sivanto 200 SL) |
7-10.5 fl oz | 4 h | 7 d | 4D | E | Early-to-mid season application will cover several migrating pests. Apply before populations build. Rapid anti-feeding activity helps to limit spread of viruses, like Potato Virus Y, that spread quickly. Use the highest allowed rate when aphid pressure is high, foliage is dense, or with aerial application. |
|
tolfenpyrad (Torac) |
17-21 fl oz | 12 h | 14 d | 21A | G | Apply when aphids are present for knockback control with anti-feeding. Contact insecticide with limited residual activity, so good coverage is important, especially when leaf growth is rapid, and other insecticides may be needed to extend control. |
|
sulfoxaflor (Transform WG) |
0.75-1.5 oz | 24 h | 7 d | 4C | E | Early-to-mid season application will cover aphids and some other migrating pests. Apply when aphids are migrating into potatoes. |
|
neem oil (Trilogy) |
See Label | 4 h | 0 d | NC | F-P | Apply before aphids are present in large numbers if the goal is to keep aphid numbers in check and virus spread is not a concern. Apply when aphids first appear to limit virus spread, however it may work too slowly to limit spread of Potato Virus Y, especially when winged (migratory) aphid numbers are high. Does not provide immediate mortality. |
|
oxamyl (Vydate C-LV) |
1.1-2.1 pt | 48 h | 7 d | 1A | G-F | Applications targeting nematodes may suppress aphids but are not expected to control large infestations. Apply before populations build, or before an earlier systemic aphicide breaks down. Re-treat after 14-days if aphids continue to move into the field and your goal is to limit spread of Potato Virus Y. |
|
lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior II) |
1.28-1.92 fl oz | 24 h | 7 d | 3 | P | Use of pyrethroid insecticides is not recommended mid-season. Not very effective for aphids. If used, apply before aphid populations build. Monitor for subsequent pest outbreaks. |
| Material | Application per Acre | REI | PHI | MOA | Eff. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
thiamethoxam (Actara) |
3 oz | 12 h | 14 d | 4A | E | Apply when aphids are first detected. |
|
esfenvalerate (Asana XL) |
5.8 to 9.6 fl oz | 12 h | 7 d | 3 | F-P | Not particularly effective for aphids. |
|
acetamiprid (Assail 70WP) |
1-1.7 oz | 12 h | 7 d | 4A | E | Apply when aphids are first detected. |
|
azadirachtin (Aza-Direct) |
1-3.5 pt | 4 h | 0 d | NC | F-P | Apply when aphids first appear. It may work too slowly to limit spread of Potato Virus Y, especially when winged (migratory) aphid numbers are high. Does not provide immediate mortality. |
|
mineral oil/petroleum distillate (BioCover MLT) |
See Label | 4 h | - | NC | F-P | Apply when aphids first appear to limit spread of Potato Virus Y, or before aphids are present in large numbers if the goal is to keep aphid numbers in check and virus spread is not a concern. |
|
bifenthrin + imidacloprid (Brigadier) |
3.8-6.14 fl oz | 12 h | 21 d | 3, 4A | E | Apply before aphid populations build. |
|
flonicamid (Carbine 50 WG) |
2.0-2.8 oz | 12 h | 7 d | 29 | E | Apply before populations start to build, or before a systemic aphicide treatment breaks down. Rapid feeding cessation, so it is a good choice to limit spread of Potato Virus Y. |
|
novaluron + acetamidiprid (Cormoran) |
9-12 fl oz | 12 h | 14 d | 15, 4A | G | Apply when aphids are first detected. The novaluron in Cormoran is not very effective for aphids. |
|
dimethoate (Dimethoate 400 EC) |
0.5-1.0 pt | 48 h | 0 d | 1B | G | It will knockback aphid populations. |
|
cyantraniliprole (Exirel) |
13.5-20.5 fl oz | 12 h | 7 d | 28 | G | Apply before aphid populations build. Rapid anti-feeding activity helps to limit spread of viruses, like Potato Virus Y, that spread quickly. |
|
pymetrozine (Fulfill) |
2.75-5.5 oz | 12 h | 14 d | 9B | E | Apply before populations start to build, or before a systemic aphicide treatment breaks down. Rapid feeding cessation, and aphids die 3-5 days later. A good choice to limit spread of Potato Virus Y. Apply 5.5 oz/A if also targeting psyllids. |
|
methomyl (Lannate LV) |
1.5 to 3.0 pt | 48 h | 6 d | 1A | E | It will knockback aphids. Lannate LV is best used late season to knockback multiple pests. |
|
beta-cyfluthrin + imidacloprid (Leverage 360) |
2.8 fl oz | 12 h | 7 d | 3, 4 | E-G | Apply before aphid populations build. |
|
abamectin + cyantraniprole (Minecto Pro) |
10 fl oz | 12 h | 14 d | 6, 28 | G | Apply before aphid populations build. Rapid anti-feeding activity helps to limit spread of viruses, like Potato Virus Y, that spread quickly. The abamectin in Minecto Pro is not very effective for aphids. |
|
azadirachtin (Neemix 4.5 IGR) |
5-7 fl oz | 4 h | 0 d | NC | F-P | Apply when aphids first appear. It may work too slowly to limit spread of Potato Virus Y, especially when winged (migratory) aphid numbers are high. Does not provide immediate mortality. |
|
pyrethrins (PyGanic Crop Protection EC 5.0) |
4.5-15.61 fl oz | 12 h | 0 d | 3A | F-P | Apply when insects first appear. Don’t wait until plants are heavily infested. It may work too slowly to limit spread of Potato Virus Y, especially when winged (migratory) aphid numbers are high. |
|
afidopyropen (Sefina) |
3 fl oz | 12 h | 7 d | 9D | E | Apply at the first sign of aphids. Anti-feeding activity should limit spread of potato viruses. |
|
flupyradifurone (Sivanto 200 SL) |
7-10.5 fl oz | 4 h | 7 d | 4D | E | Early-to-mid season application will cover several migrating pests. Apply before populations build. Rapid anti-feeding activity helps to limit spread of viruses, like Potato Virus Y, that spread quickly. Use the highest allowed rate when aphid pressure is high, foliage is dense, or with aerial application. |
|
tolfenpyrad (Torac) |
17-21 fl oz | 12 h | 14 d | 21A | G | Apply when aphids are present for knockback control with anti-feeding. |
|
sulfoxaflor (Transform WG) |
24 h | 7 d | 4C | E | Apply when aphids are present. | |
|
neem oil (Trilogy) |
See Label | 4 h | 0 d | NC | F-P | Apply before aphids are present in large numbers if the goal is to keep aphid numbers in check and virus spread is not a concern. Apply when aphids first appear to limit virus spread, however it may work too slowly to limit spread of Potato Virus Y, especially when winged (migratory) aphid numbers are high. Does not provide immediate mortality. |