Pea aphids, when to spray or not.

[Michael S]

In common with others I am getting less keen on the use of insecticides. My independent agronomist of 30 odd years is keen for me to apply an insecticide mix for the control of aphids in my peas. For those who have given up insecticide spraying is it just a case of "sucking up" the pain in the early years of no insecticides or should I treat. The planned cropping after peas is two years herbage seed followed by two wheats.

 

[Brisel]

PGRO has threshold numbers as a guide as to whether or not to spray.

 

[Neddy flanders]

if you can find an aphid, its too late. they are very hard to find tucked inside developing flower buds. pirimicarb at first flower fungicide here.

 

[MikeNeaverson]

Now the weathers turned aphid numbers have crashed but I had to spray last week in all the peas I look after. I'd disagree with Neddy, pea aphids are easy to find if you know where to look hiding in the flower buds and top leaves. I've only ever let aphids get out of hand once in peas - and never again will I miss an insecticide if the weather is set fair and they're in the corp. They make a hell of a mess.