Pecan crop in the US is infested by three aphid species, yellow pecan aphids, blackmargined aphids and black pecan aphids. Seasonal abundance and level of damage associated with the three aphid species vary regionally and also the resultant effect on crop yield. Natural enemies play a significant role in suppression of aphid species, but application of broad-spectrum insecticides often disrupt the natural biological control and exacerbates the overall infestation by aphids. Aphid population abundance is also influenced by agricultural inputs and cultural practices such as hedge-pruning. Management of the aphid species on pecan should consider a comprehensive approach which is based on monitoring of both aphids and their natural enemies followed by selective pesticide application based on economic threshold level. We will discuss the current knowledge and future directions in aphid management on pecan.
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