TEA :: MAJOR PEST ::APHID

11. Aphid: Toxoptera aurantii (Aphididae : Hemiptera)
It is a polyphagous species attacking tea and other host plants such as coffee, cacao, citrus etc. Colonies of aphids are seen on tender shoots of tea immediately after pruning. Leaves curl up and shoot growth is stunted. Ants attend aphids for their honeydew. Honey dew fallen on the leaves facilitates the growth of black sooty mould fungus. Adult is dark brown in colour. Both alate and apterous forms exist.