ENY-847 Biology and Management of Aphids in Sustainable Field Production of Cucurbits1

soft-bodied insects. Their reproductive potential, salivary secretions, and ability to transmit viral diseases make them the most potent and worldwide enemies of many crops. There are approximately 4,400 aphid species in the world (Blackman and Eastop 1994). Several species can be found on cucurbits. Three species that can colonize members of the Cucurbitaceae family are: the melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover; the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer); and the cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch (Zitter et al. 1996). Members of the Cucurbitaceae family include watermelon, squash, and cucumber. Biology and Lifecycle In the spring, female nymphs hatch from the eggs on the primary host and feed to maturity. There are several variations of aphid life cycle. Aphids alternate primar