Cotton aphid

Cotton aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on cotton plants by piercing plant tissues and sucking out sap. They are usually green, yellow, or black and can multiply rapidly, leading to large colonies. Their feeding can cause leaves to yellow, curl, and drop prematurely, reducing cotton quality and yield. Additionally, aphids produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which can promote mold growth. They may also transmit plant diseases. Managing cotton aphids involves monitoring populations, encouraging natural predators like ladybugs, and using targeted insecticides when necessary to protect cotton crops.