Cabbage aphid

Definition

A small, gray-green aphid species (Brevicoryne brassicae, family Aphididae) that is a major pest of cruciferous crops. Adults and nymphs feed phloem sap from brassicaceous plants, often forming dense colonies on growing points, flower buds, and undersides of leaves. The species exhibits extreme host fidelity: it feeds exclusively on plants in the family Brassicaceae and will not colonize adjacent non-host vegetation even under heavy population pressure. Native to Europe, it is now cosmopolitan in temperate agricultural regions.

Etymology

From 'cabbage' (the principal host crop) + 'aphid' (the common name for small sap-sucking insects in the family Aphididae).

Example

In late summer, cabbage aphid colonies on broccoli can become so dense that the developing heads become coated with a grayish, waxy bloom of living and dead individuals, rendering the crop unmarketable and facilitating transmission of turnip mosaic virus.

Synonyms

• cabbage aphis
• mealy cabbage aphid

Related Terms

• Brevicoryne brassicae
• aphid
• host specificity
• Brassicaceae
• phloem feeder
• colony
• Integrated Pest Management
• Vector

Usage Notes

The common name refers specifically to Brevicoryne brassicae, though 'cabbage aphid' is occasionally used loosely for other brassica-feeding aphids such as Lipaphis erysimi (turnip aphid). The waxy, mealy secretion coating the body distinguishes this species from the similarly host-specific turnip aphid, which lacks such conspicuous wax. In pest management literature, the name is sometimes qualified as 'mealy cabbage aphid' to emphasize this diagnostic trait.