Which statement is true about aphids on vegetable crops?

Which statement is true about aphids on vegetable crops?

• A. Heavy infestations stunt plants
• B. The largest aphids are about one inch long
• C. They are usually found on the top sides of the leaves
• D. They cannot transmit disease

Answer: (A)

Aphids cause problems on vegetable crops because they feed by sucking the sap from the plant, which robs the plant of nutrients and weakens growth. When their numbers are high, the sustained feeding slows development and can visibly stunt plants, especially on new growth. These insects are very small—only a few millimeters long—so they are not inch-long giants. They tend to congregate on the undersides of leaves or on new shoots rather than the top surfaces, which helps them evade some predators and stay hidden. They are also capable of transmitting plant viruses, so the idea that they don’t spread disease isn’t accurate.

Aphids cause problems on vegetable crops because they feed by sucking the sap from the plant, which robs the plant of nutrients and weakens growth. When their numbers are high, the sustained feeding slows development and can visibly stunt plants, especially on new growth. These insects are very small—only a few millimeters long—so they are not inch-long giants. They tend to congregate on the undersides of leaves or on new shoots rather than the top surfaces, which helps them evade some predators and stay hidden. They are also capable of transmitting plant viruses, so the idea that they don’t spread disease isn’t accurate.