Currant Lettuce Aphid
Introduction
Currant lettuce aphids are a serious world-wide pest of lettuces. They reduce yields by feeding on leaves, which in turn causes leaf distortion, decreased seedling vigour and secondary head rots. Even the presence of just or more aphids can result in unmarketable lettuce.
Currant lettuce aphid is present in all Australian states having thought to have arrived as recently as 2004.
Use the resouces listed in the resources tab, along with others you identify yourself, to answer the following questions about currant lettuce aphid.
- Why is currant lettuce aphid a pest?
- What are the key aspects of the ecology and biology currant lettuce aphid that promote it being a pest?
- Which groups or individuals comprise the community of interest surrounding currant lettuce aphid as a pest?
- How do the community and the pest interact to promote or reduce dispersal?
- What strategies for community engagement were implemented or are now proposed?
- Why was the management of currant lettuce aphid successful?
- Have you identified possible improvements to the management of currant lettuce aphid?
Visit the following websites for information about the currant lettuce aphid:
- NSW Department of Primary Industries: Currant lettuce aphid
- PaDIL - Pests and Diseases Image Library
- Fagan LL, McLachlan A, Till CM and Walker MK (2010) Synergy between chemical and biological control in the IPM of currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) in Canterbury, New Zealand. Bulletin of Entomological Research 100: 217-223.
- McDougall S. and Creek A. Currant lettuce aphid Nasonovia ribisnigri (Mosley).
NSW DPI Primefacts No. 155. Accessed July 2010.