In June and July of l981 samples were collected from New York State. We now expect that this problem has spread through-out New York State. In Canada the literature indicates that the aphid was first introduced into the area of Monreal, undoubtedly on honeysuckle imported from Europe. At first apical leaves are curled and dwarfed, but as the season progresses the affected portion of the branches may reach several inches in length resulting in a typical witches' broom disfiguration. Eventually the stem dies.
Affected plants are particularly evident in winter.
The aphids are found enclosed on the upper surface of the leaves and infested leaves curl upward along the mid-rib. When populations have built up in mid to late summer, aphids are also found outside the curled leaves feeding on stems and petioles. The aphids are quite small, less than 2 mm in length and vary in color from a pale green to a cream color. They feed in colonies of up to several hundred individuals and as a result of their feeding, growth of new shoots is slowed down considerably. Buds in axials of leaves and branches begin to multiply rapidly causing the broom-like effect on the tips of the branches.