Several species may attack strawberries in southern Manitoba. Symptoms of damage Aphids suck plant sap, removing nutrients, reducing yields, and, in some cases, causing disease. Honeydew deposits or sooty mould on the fruit and the white skins shed by aphid nymphs when they moult are clues to the presence of these insects. When aphid numbers are high, strawberries may appear wilted. Monitoring Look for symptoms of aphid damage throughout your fields on a weekly basis.
Severe infestations are often easily visible from the edge of the field.
Later in the season, infested patches may appear as thin stands. In younger plants, aphids may cluster near the base of the plant, on the upper sides of the leaves. In older plants, check inside the leaf whorls for the aphids. Keep your hand lens with you in the field so you can see the aphids clearly. If specimens are required for identification, collect infested plants by cutting the roots below the crown.