The University of California Division of Agriculture & Natural Resources provides excellent information regarding the identification and life cycles of aphids. "Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects with long slender mouthparts that they use to pierce stems, leaves, and other tender plant parts and suck out fluids. Almost every plant has one or more aphid species that occasionally feed on it. Many aphid species are difficult to distinguish from one another; however, management of most aphid species is similar." (M. L. Flint, 2013)

University of California Statewide IPM Program

Please refer to the link above as a reference to aphid management guidelines.  Please reference the recommended treatments below as suggested methodologies for organic/biodynamic and integrated pest management.  It is up to each individual and business to ensure the safety of application.

life cycles

Aphids inflict serious damage to a variety of crops. They are notorious virus vectors and have an enormous reproductive capacity. There are lots of different coloured species and they occur in all kinds of crops. The nymphs and adults extract food materials from the plant and disturb the balance of the plant's growth hormones. This video documents the lifecycle of aphids.
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