Green peach aphid

M. persicae is a small green aphid and is the most significant aphid pest of peach trees, causing decreased growth, shriveling of the leaves and the death of various tissues. It is also hazardous because it acts as a vector for the transport of plant viruses, such as potato virus Y and potato leafroll virus to members of the nightshade/potato family Solanaceae, and various mosaic viruses to many other food crops.

M. persicae is a globally significant crop pest that has evolved high levels of resistance to almost all classes of insecticide. To date, the neonicotinoids have remained an effective control measure however recent resistance monitoring work in southern Europe represent a threat to the long-term efficacy of this chemical class.