1. Insect
  2. Small Fruit Crops
  3. Blackberry and Raspberry Pests

Blackberry and Raspberry-Aphid

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Includes larger raspberry aphid (Amphorophora agathonica)

Pest description and crop damage Several different aphids can be found in caneberries but the major aphid pest of caneberries is the larger raspberry aphid. This aphid is large, up to 3 mm long, when compared to other species; they are dark green to yellow.

Large populations of aphids weaken and stunt new growth. Aphid feeding causes yellowing of foliage, deformed leaves, and can devitalize plants. They also exude sticky honeydew which results in sooty mold. The honeydew and mold can reduce the quality of fruit, and also attracts ants and yellow jackets. The major problem, though, is virus diseases, which the aphid can transmit readily.

Biology and life history The larger raspberry aphid overwinters as eggs on the canes. The eggs are light yellowish-white when laid in November, but later turn black. Eggs begin hatching by late February or March. The population increases slowly after that, with several overlapping generations per year. Winged forms, which lay the overwintering eggs, are produced in fall.

Scouting and thresholds Check plants frequently after new growth begins. Aphids often are concentrated in "hot spots." Be sure to look for evidence of biological control; i.e., the presence of predators, parasites (aphid mummies), and disease. Aphid flights are most common during periods of moderate temperatures (60° to 80°F).

Management-biological control

Many parasites and predators attack aphid. Monitor the proportion of aphid mummies to unparasitized adults and the number of predators such as lady beetles. If the biocontrol agents appear to be gaining control, avoid sprays which would disrupt this system. Most products available for aphid control are highly disruptive of natural enemies.

Management-cultural control

Aphid populations tend to be higher in plants that are fertilized liberally with nitrogen. Prune out suckers and other excess growth that might encourage colonization of the aphids.

Home gardeners: Wash aphids from plants with a strong stream of water. Control ants, which "farm" the aphids that protect them from predators.

Management-chemical control: HOME USE

Dormant-season spray

  • superior-type oil-Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.

Growing-season spray

Avoid making applications of insecticides to plants in bloom to avoid bee injury. Follow all label directions.

  • azadirachtin/neem oil-Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.
  • bifenthrin
  • carbaryl
  • esfenvalerate
  • imidacloprid
  • insecticidal soap-Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.
  • kaolin-When applied as a spray to leaves, stems, and fruit, it acts as a repellent to some insect pests. Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.
  • malathion
  • permethrin-For use on raspberry only.
  • plant essential oils (cinnamon, clove, garlic, peppermint, rosemary, thyme) and cottonseed and garlic oils-Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.
  • pyrethrins (often as a mix with other ingredients)-Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.
  • spinosad-Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.
  • zeta-cypermethrin

Management-chemical control: COMMERCIAL USE

  • acetamiprid (Assail 70WP, Assail 30SG, Intruder Max 30SG, Intruder Max 70SG, Anarchy) at 0.047 to 0.1 lb ai/A. See label. PHI 1 day. Do not exceed 0.5 lb ai/A per season. Toxic to bees.
  • azadirachtin (AzaSol, AzaGuard, Ecozin Plus)-Consult label for rate. PHI 0 days. Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use. Repeat applications every 7 to 10 days.
  • Beauveria bassiana (Mycotrol and others). Consult label for rate. PHI 0 days. Repeat applications every 5 to 10 days unless pressure is high, then apply every 2-5 days.
  • Burkholderia spp. (Venerate XC)-Consult label for rate. PHI 0 days. Suppression only. OMRI-listed for organic use. Do not apply when bees are foraging.
  • carbaryl (Carbaryl 4L, Sevin XL) at 1.0 to 2.0 lb ai/A. PHI 7 days. Do not apply more than 10 lb ai/A/year. Hazardous to bees: Do not apply during bloom.
  • Chromobacterium subtsugae (Grandevo CG, Grandevo WDG) at 0.6 to 0.9 lb ai/A. PHI 0 days. OMRI-listed for organic use. Hazardous to bees: Do not apply during bloom.
  • cinnamaldehyde (Seican)-Consult label for rate. PHI 0 days.
  • esfenvalerate (Asana XL) at 0.025 to 0.05 lb ai/A. PHI 7 days. Asana can act as a bee repellent; do not apply within 7 days of pollination. Apply pre-bloom or post-bloom only. Remove bees before applying. For maximum bee safety, apply in the evening after sunset. Because of pollinator hazard, WSU entomologists do not recommend its use on red raspberries. Restricted use pesticide.
  • fenpropathrin (Danitol 2.4EC) at 0.2 to 0.3 lb ai/A. PHI 3 days. Do not exceed 0.6 lb ai/A per season. Restricted use pesticide.
  • flupyradifurone (Sivanto HL, Altus) at 0.09 to 0.18 lb ai/A. PHI 3 days. Minimum interval between applications 7 days. Do not exceed 0.365 lb ai/A per year.
  • imidacloprid (Several brands)-Consult label for rate. Application at 0.25 to 0.5 lb ai/A (soil application); 0.1 lb ai/A (foliar). PHI 7 days (soil), 3 days (foliar). Do not apply pre-bloom, during bloom or when bees are foraging. Note "Bee Advisory Box" and restrictions on the label.
  • Isaria fumosorosea Apopka Strain 97 (Ancora). Consult label for rate and use directions. OMRI-listed for organic use.
  • malathion-Consult label for rate. PHI 1 day. Do not use during bloom.
  • potassium salts of fatty acids (M-Pede and other brands)-Consult label for rate. Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use. PHI 0 days.
  • pyrethrin (several brands)-Consult label for rate and use directions. PHI 0 days. PyGanic brand is OMRI-listed for organic use.
  • sulfoxaflor (Transform WG) at 0.023 to 0.047 lb ai/A. PHI 1 day. Do not apply when bees are visiting the treatment area. Application must be made at least 3 hours prior to bees foraging.
  • thiamethoxam (Actara) at 0.031 to 0.047 lb ai/A. PHI 3 days. Do not apply during bloom or when bees are foraging in the area. Note "Bee Advisory Box" and restrictions on the label.
  • tolfenpyrad (Bexar) at 0.28 lb ai/A. 25 gal water/A min. Do not apply more than 2 applications per year. No more than 0.57 lb ai/A per year. PHI 1 day. Do not apply when bees are visiting the treatment area. Application must be made at least 8 hours prior to bees foraging.