The melon aphid also is one of the chief vectors in transmitting Cucumber mosaic virus. Infested leaves curl downward and may turn brown and die. They are found chiefly on the underside of the leaves, where they suck the sap from the plants and cause a reduction in the quality and quantity of the fruit. Some are winged, while others are wingless. Melon aphids vary in size and color from light yellow to green to black.
Mississippi State University Archive, Mississippi State University, Melon aphids ( Aphis gossyppi) and several other aphid species attack cucurbits, particularly melons and cucumbers. Melon aphids, also known as cotton aphids ( Aphis gossyppi). Certain insecticides applied at planting or as a foliar spray for insect control apparently contribute to severe outbreaks of mites on melons by killing their natural enemies. Because of their small size, spider mites are hard to detect until vines are damaged with hundreds of mites on each leaf. Damage can develop very quickly, and the mites can kill or seriously stunt the growth of plants. This damage appears as pale yellow and reddish-brown spots ranging in size from small specks to large whitish, stippled areas on the upper sides of leaves. These tiny mites feed on the contents of individual cells of the leaves. Two-spotted spider mites ( Tetranychus urticae) can be a serious problem on cucurbits, especially on watermelons and cantaloupes, during hot, dry weather. All other lady beetles are beneficial because they feed on insect pests, such as aphids and scale insects.ĭestroy crop residues after harvest and reduce overwintering sites by tilling.
The adult of the squash beetle overwinters in crop debris. The other species, the Mexican bean beetle ( Epilachna varivestis), a close relative of the squash beetle, is a serious bean pest. The squash beetle feeds upon the leaves of cucurbits. Clemson University – USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, The squash beetle ( Epilachna borealis) is one of two species of Coccinellidae known to occur in the United States that eat plant material rather than other insects. Adult squash beetle ( Epilachna borealis), with spiny larva at left.
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