Aphids are soft-bodied insects with cornicles (which look like tailpipes) on the abdomen and piercing/sucking mouthparts. Infestations begin with the arrival of winged aphids on the plant which mature in about 7 days. All aphids are females; each can produce 60 - 80 offspring over a 3 week period.
Aphids or "plant lice" suck juices from plants, causing thin. light-weight leaves. Severe infestations stunt and weaken transplants. "Honey dew," the excretion of these insects. builds up on the surface of leaves where aphids are feeding. A mold can grow on this deposit causing the leaves to stick together and to cure to a dark off-color of poor quality. Leaves attacked by aphids may ripen prematurely, reducing weight. Aphids can transmit virus diseases such as tobacco etch and tobacco vein mottling virus.
Tobacco Aphids may infest tobacco plant beds, but populations are usually highest following the flight of winged aphids into fields in mid to late June. Look on the undersides of mid and upper level leaves, especially in shaded areas of the field. Thorough spray coverage is essential to obtain satisfactory aphid control.
| Insecticide | Rate/Acre Small Plants | Rate/Acre Large Plants | Harvest Interval (days) |
| Acephate | 2/3 lb | 1 lb | 3 |
| Bracket | 2/3 lb | 1 lb | 3 |
| Orthene 75 SP | 2/3 lb | 2/3 lb | 3 |
| Orthene 97 | 3/4 lb | 3/4 lb | 3 |
| Fulfill 50 WDG (pymetrozine) | 2.75 oz | 2.75 oz | 14 |
| Golden Leaf Tobacco Spray | 2/3 qt | 1 - 1/3 qt | 5* |
| Phaser 3E | 2/3 qt | 1 - 1/3 qt | 5* |
| Pravado 1.6 F (imidaclproid) | 2 to 4 fl oz | 2 to 4 fl oz | 14 |
| Thiodan 3E (endosulfan) | 2/3 qt | 1 - 1/3 qt | 5* |
| Lannate 90 SP (methomyl) | 1/2 lb | 1/2 lb | 14 |
* Application of products containing endosulfan within 28 days of harvest can lead to increased residue on the crop. Do not spray in the heat of the day.