Mszyce

Mszyce, commonly known as aphids, are small sap-sucking insects from the superfamily Aphidoidea within the order Hemiptera. They are among the most common agricultural and garden pests worldwide, with hundreds of species adapted to a wide range of plants.

Most adults are 1–4 mm long, soft-bodied and pear-shaped. They occur in winged and wingless forms. Many species reproduce parthenogenetically in favorable conditions, giving birth to live young; sexual reproduction with eggs occurs in autumn for some species. Winged individuals disperse to new hosts, often in response to crowding or environmental stress.

Mszyce feed by inserting their stylets into phloem vessels and sucking sap. The feeding causes distorted growth, yellowing, curling of leaves, stunted vigor and, in heavy infestations, reduced yields. They excrete honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold on leaves and fruit. They also act as vectors for plant viruses, contributing to disease spread.

Habitat includes gardens, orchards, cereals, and greenhouse crops. They have many natural enemies, including lady beetles, lacewings, hoverflies, and parasitoid wasps such as Aphidius species. Biological control and habitat for natural enemies are important components of management.

Control strategies are usually integrated: cultural measures (remove infested shoots, prune, avoid nutrient-rich lush growth), biological controls (release or conserve predators and parasitoids), and targeted chemical controls when necessary, preferably insecticides that are selective and avoid resistance, such as horticultural oils or systemic insecticides used judiciously.