Remove and destroy them. To control the insects that transmit these viruses, see the insect portion of this fact sheet. Remove weeds that may harbor the viruses. Wash tools used around infected plant. The chrysanthemum aphids are brown to black, which other species range in color from green to pink.
Aphids feed by piercing plant tissue and sucking plant sap.
They prefer feeding on new growth in such areas as shoots, the undersides of leaves, buds and flowers. Their feeding can result in distorted growth, stunting and sometimes death of the entire plant. The sooty mold fungus feeds on the honeydew, resulting in unsightly, dark fungal growth. In addition to damage caused by their feeding, chrysanthemum aphids can transmit various plant viruses. Aphids can be removed from plants by applying a forceful spray of water to the plants every 2 days, especially to the undersides of leaves.