Pests

There are many pests that feed on the lettuce plant. They can greatly endanger the harvest. These pests, mostly insects, stand in the way between people and the deliciousness of lettuce. All of these pests can be controlled by chemical means.

| Aphids | Leafminers | Lepidopterous Larvae | Whitefilies | Lygus Bug |

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APHIDS

The Green Peach Aphid, the Lettuce Aphid, the Lettuce Root Aphid, and the Potato Aphid are a major problem for lettuce harvesters in the coastal regions. They can transmit viruses to the lettuce plants, deposit a sticky honeydew on the leaves, allowing mold to grow on them, and the aphids feed on the leaves as well.

LEAFMINERS

Several species of leafminers affect iceberg lettuce production. Populations of leafminers have increased in recent years, especially in the coastal regions and on fall harvested lettuce in the San Joaquin Valley. The larvae of leafminers eat lettuce leaves and cause serious problems. The adult flies can contaminate the harvest as well. 

LEPIDOPTEROUS LARVAE

The larva of some butterfiles, moths, and skippers can cause serious damage to the lettuce plant. They are mostly a problem in the desert regions and affect the lettuce crop at around harvest time. These insects enter the heads of lettuce and cuase internal damage. Some of the lepidopterous larvae that attack lettuce are the Alfalfa Looper, Beet Armyworm, Cabbage Looper, and the Corn Earworm.

WHITEFLIES

 whiteflies transmit viruses that infect iceberg lettuce. These insects cause serious problemsin the desert regions. whiteflies also eat the lettuce leaves and produce a sticky honeydew on the leaves where a black mold may develop. 

LYGUS BUG

This insect is a seasonal problem on lettuce, and mostly a problem in the coastal regions during the late spring and early summer. Damage to lettuce occurs as the result of feeding and leaf punctures, which have a significant affect on lettuce quality, due to a toxin that is released during the feeding process.