Scientific name: Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko)
Common names: Barley Aphid; Russian Wheat Aphid
Ethiopian name: Yegebs Kish Kish
Order: Homoptera
Family: Aphididae
HOSTS:
Main hosts: Barley, Wheat
Alternative hosts: Other cereals, Grasses
IMPORTANCE IN ETHIOPIA:
Major pest of: Barley, Wheat
Minor pest of: Tef
DISTRIBUTION IN ETHIOPIA:
A serious pest in the highlands at 2400 m above sea level and higher.
DAMAGE:
Infested plants show yellow streaks along the veins. The leaves curl inwards and the plants remain stunted. This species is known to be a vector of virus diseases. It is most serious in dry weather conditions.
INSECT BIOLOGY & RECOGNITION:
Apterae: The length is 1.4 2.3 mm. They are pale yellow green or grey green and dusted with a white wax powder.
Alatae: The length is 1.5 2.0 mm. They have a pale green abdomen.
CONTROL METHODS:
Cultural control:
Observe a closed season.
Avoid planting barley during low rainfall seasons.
Avoid overlap planting of barley and wheat in the same area. This helps to decrease the food supply of the aphids throughout the year.
Use resistant varieties when available.
REMARK:
Several other species of aphids have been recorded on cereals in Ethiopia.