Carrot-willow aphid

The carrot willow aphid (Cavariella aegopodii) is a widespread pest of carrots, celery, parsnips and parsley.

Carrot Willow aphids can cause significant damage to plants by their feeding activities as they suck sap from the foliage. In addition they are responsible for transmitting a number of viruses including carrot red leaf virus and carrot mottle virus which together form the carrot motley dwarf complex, cucumber mosaic virus, parsnip mosaic virus and parsnip yellow fleck virus. These viruses all reduce the vigour of the crop. The aphid overwinters mainly on its woody host, species of willow. Eggs laid on willow hatch in the spring and winged forms migrate to carrot crops in late May/early June. The aphids build up rapidly in late June/early July after which the population starts to decline.

Identifying Features
Distorted leaves: leaves are discoloured and stunted. Plants are weakened.

Treatment
Spray at the first signs of attack with insecticidal soap.

Prevention
No practical method available.