What is a rice root aphid?

Pests are an inevitable part of any agricultural endeavor, and as the cannabis industry expands, new agricultural pests are emerging. Battles with thrips, spider mites, and even the cannabis aphid are all too well known in the cannabis industry. A pest known to affect grass cultures outdoors, Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale, or rice root aphid, was recently discovered on indoor cannabis sativa plants.

Cannabis production and pests

Several insects and mites have emerged as significant potential pests in the production of cannabis sativa plants in the United States in the relatively short time since some federally legalized productions began.

Many of them are generalist species, such as the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae), the common mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus), and the onion thrips, all of which are associated with indoor plant production (Thrips tabaci). Others, such as the cannabis aphid (Phorodon cannabis) and the hemp frost mite, are plant specialists (Aculops cannibicola). Perhaps most surprising is the incidence of the rice root aphid (Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale) as a common insect found in this culture across North America.

These pests, if undetected, create economic problems as they reduce the quality and quantity of the cannabis available for harvest. Many indoor cannabis grows are being established on a commercial scale; Therefore, all farms must be protected from pathogens and harmful pests, as these pathogens could wipe out the entire harvest.

The rice root aphid (Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale)

In North America, the rice root aphid (Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominalis) is a well-known pest that lives outdoors year round. It can affect both soil-grown and hydroponic plants. Since this pest, unlike other aphids, spends most of its life underground, it can be difficult to spot an infestation. Indoors, these insects can reproduce all year round. They can only survive for a few days without eating a host plant and instead of laying eggs, they give birth to live offspring.

Indoor growing temperatures of 250 ° C (770 ° F) and moist soils are ideal for this little beetle to breed. Rice root aphids can attack the entire plant, from soil to leaves. When this is combined with improper quarantine of a new cutting or import, as well as poor hygiene practices when transplanting, you can have an infestation.

Using a variety of methods, this pest can cause crop damage, ranging from stagnant growth to discoloration of flowers. Rice root aphids, for example, literally suck the life out of the plant, the juice, and are therefore referred to as “juice suckers”. Aphids can also damage plants by attacking the roots, preventing the plant from absorbing vital nutrients.

Rice root aphid on indoor cannabis crops

There are no government-approved chemical treatments for infestation while the commercial cultivation of C. sativa is in its infancy; each state has its own list of approved cannabis treatments. The rice root aphid has been in America for more than 100 years; However, it has just been observed that growing cannabis plants indoors is a significant pest. It has been found in at least seven states in America. This discovery surprised many, even though the problem was a significant pest of outdoor crops.

Rice aphids feed on the root systems of cannabis plants. This can cause significant damage to the root system of a cannabis plant if left untreated or if aphid infestation reaches epidemic proportions. Maintaining a healthy root zone is an essential part of successful cannabis growing.

A study of the incidence of rice root aphids

Whitney Cranshaw, Ph.D., and Suzanne Wainwright-Evans jointly authored a report on the study of cannabis sativa as a host of rice root aphids in indoor cultivation. The information was published in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management.

Crenshaw said she first observed the pest in an indoor cannabis facility in 2010 in Colorado. On the other hand, Suzanne said she was being contacted for information about root aphid problems in indoor cannabis plants.

The best, according to the report, is an insect with a cosmopolitan distribution. Facilities have reported that the pest can develop properly on the roots of most cannabis sativa plants and thrive in any growing medium in these facilities. These ever-growing media include soil, coconut fiber, rock wool, and aeroponic media. Rice aphids delay plant growth and cause considerable yield losses in these plants.

It is still unclear why this pest is so widespread on the continent. However, the report emphasizes that almost all parts of the culture are beneficial for rice root aphids. The insect’s cryptic habit of developing in the ground makes detection difficult, and it can take a long time for breeders to realize it is in their facility.

Control of rice root aphid infestation in indoor cannabis plants

Isolating grafts and cleaning and sterilizing surfaces and containers are the best ways to maintain a pest-free environment. Companion plants, either as a repellant or as a trap plant, are another way to control aphids. The release of volatile molecules such as terpenes by repellent plants can disrupt insect behavior. Pests are attracted to capture plants that will keep them away from the main crop.

Remember that companion planting techniques have been tested on outdoor crops rather than indoors. While changing media may not be the most effective way to control aphids, breeders using carbon-based media sources have reported better control using Biorational as a watering solution. Leaf miners are another pest that can ruin your indoor cannabis crop.

Hygiene is critical to a pest-free, safe growing environment. Seeds, plugs, grafts, clones, staff, growth structures and media should be disinfected throughout the life of the culture.

Bottom line

There has been a lot of talk on the Internet about “root aphids” in cannabis for years, most of which are filled with serious flaws. Postings often used loaned images and incorrect biology information based on various sources. Phylloxera, grape phylloxera, and various species of pemphigus are all root infesting species. It is necessary to keep a proper record of “root aphid” problems in C. sativa so that integrated pest control programs can be properly developed.

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