Diversity of aphid pests (Homoptera: Aphididae) and their natural bio-control agents in vegetable crop ecosystems of Jammu & Kashmir, India

The aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae) are one of major pests of agriculturally important crops, including vegetables, across the world. They suck plant sap, cause leaf curling, yellowing and stunted growth of the host plants. They also act as vectors of many viral diseases in plants. In order to explore aphid pests and their naturally occurring bio-control agents (parasitoids and predators), an extensive field survey was conducted in different vegetable ecosystems of the Kashmir valley during the years from 2014-2019.