Under leaf coverage is also necessary for control. Use of oil may allow rates to be reduced and enhance efficacy. Moderate to high levels of winged aphids continues to be reported across the area. Sizeable populations continue to be observed in several crops including eggplant, leafy greens, pepper, potato, tomato and melons. Colony formation has been observed in a number of locations.
Aphids can produce tremendous populations within a short period of time .
One reason for this is that the population in Florida is composed entirely of females, and potentially each individual is a producer of more female offspring. The females do not need to mate to produce offspring and this phenomenon further increases their biotic potential. They give birth to live young which sidesteps the time-consuming egg stage. Adult females deliver several female nymphs every hour. Within a few days, the nymphs are mature and begin giving live birth to new female nymphs.