Abstract
WE learn from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries that, in many districts in the southern half of England, oats have suffered from severe infestations by aphides or ‘green fly’. Similar attacks on grassland have taken place in certain northern counties, including Lancashire. The insects occurred often in swarms, smothering the crops and causing much damage. The species concerned is a common one which often causes local and temporary injury to grass. Its appearance in epidemic form on cereals is quite unique in recent times. The reasons for the outbreak are unknown, but they are probably associated with the relatively mild autumn and winter and the advanced condition of the crops. The standard control method would be the application of an insecticidal dust by means of a powder sprayer. The necessary equipment, however, is not available on many farms, and expenditure to meet this treatment seems scarcely justifiable in view of the damage that has already been done. It is probable that the aphids will shortly migrate, while natural enemies are already actively at work.
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Epidemic of Green Fly. Nature 136, 17–18 (1935). https://doi.org/10.1038/136017d0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/136017d0