Eriosoma lanigerum Hausmann

Eriosoma lanigerum occurs in all the apple-growing areas of the country. It was probably accidentally introduced to India from England as indicated from its record in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh where nursery stocks were imported. The aphids prefer to feed on the new bark at pruning and wound scars on the trunk and branches. Maximum direct injury is caused by the aphids feeding on the roots, although large numbers may be found on the aerial parts of the tree. Aphid sucks sap from the bark of the trunk and the roots. It also infests fruit stalks and calyx end. The infested twigs shrivel and die. The nursery plants when attacked suffer the most. Points on the stems and roots where the aphids crowd together and feed develop gall-like swellings.

Eriosoma lanigerum can only be produced on apple seedlings either kept in glass house where favourable controlled conditions are maintained or to some extent in large net/screen field cages where potted plants of apple are maintained.