Many overlapping generations can occur annually. In greenhouses, up to 51 generations can be produced in one year. These aphids are also important vectors of some plant viral diseases. Feeding activities cause distorted growth, reduced growth, quality and yield. Excretion of the sugary fluid called honeydew by aphids is colonized by a black fungus called sooty mold, causing plants to become unsightly and stressed, because mold-coated leaves are shielded from sunlight needed for photosynthesis.
Numerous cast skins from aphid development are also unsightly.
For additional information, contact your local Texas extension service agent, or search for other state extension service offices. Carter et al.