A review of the management of Aphis faba Scopoli (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

The black-bean aphid Aphis fabae Scopoli is a serious agricultural threat spreaded almost worldwide. It threatens more than 200 host plant species and causes several damages through sucking sap, injuring leaves, the excretion of honeydew -inducing the development of sooty mould- and the transmission of plant viruses. Chemical aphicides are the most approach used to control A. fabae. Nevertheless, their extensive use has led to serious problems concerning human health and environment. These drawbacks led to apply eco-friendly strategies based on entomopahtogenic fungi, natural enemies and plants to manage the pest. In this paper, we review the biological control of A. fabae with special reference to management using plant extracts. Many plants belonging to several families are opted to control A. fabae. Several parts of these plants in particular leaves, stems and peels are used to eradicate it. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts are the most used forms. The mode of action of the major compounds of botanicals is through stomach or/and nerve poisoning.