An estimate of the potential economic losses to some crops due to aphids in Britain

Abstract

Data from studies of the damage caused by aphids on major crops in Britain are compared with pest monitoring data and those from surveys of the use of pesticides to provide an estimate of the potential economic losses caused by aphids and the virus diseases they transmit. Average infestations may give a potential economic loss of £70 × 10 6; severe widespread infestations of wheat alone could result in losses of £120 × 10 6. Losses may be reduced by more accurate insecticide applications based on monitoring and forecasting.