Blackmargined Aphid
Blackmargined aphids are overwintering as eggs on the stems. Start scouting at full leaf expansion. Look for beneficial insects in the ground cover plants with a sweep net. We have found 10-12 lady beetles per 50 sweeps in orchards with legumes growing between the tree rows. These beetles are feeding on pea aphids now and will feed on pecan aphids later on in the spring.

Don't cut corners with chemical control of aphids. The use of reduced rates of insecticides or a low volume of water will result in poor coverage and lousy control. Repeated used of insecticide concentrations that are lower than the recommended rate can lead to insecticide resistance development and the loss of effective insecticides.

Black margined aphids typically begin increasing in late June across the state (GA)though natural controls -rainfall and predators - apparently keep populations in check. Chemical control depends on past usage patterns for casebearer control. Contact insecticides tend to destroy aphid predators.

By late August, honeydew accumulates on the foliage of the lower limbs indicating a small population in the top of the tree. Beneficial insects may or may not keep these populations in check. Vigorious scouting program needs to be in place to time insecticide sprays to prevent outbreaks.