In recent years lettuce root aphids have been managed effectively by the neonicotinoid seed treatments used to control aphids on the foliage. The impending loss of neonicotinoids will increase the risk of lettuce root aphid infestations.
The aim of a trial at the University of Warwick is to determine the efficacy of novel treatments for the control of lettuce root aphids on lettuce.
The trial consists of 12 treatments including the insecticide-free control and the commercial standard (Cruiser seed treatment). The experimental products have been applied as spray, drench or phytodrip treatments.
There are two sequential plantings, timed to target the migration of lettuce root aphids from overwintering sites on poplar (this is forecast in the AHDB Pest Bulletin). The trial will be assessed at maturity in early August.