Pests

Aphids on Lettuce

Lactuca sativa L. var. crispa L.

The lettuce aphid, Nasonovia ribisnigri, is a specialized pest of lettuce that colonizes the center of the rosette. The primary method of control is breeding varieties with Nr resistance genes that overcome various biotypes of the pest.

In the reference 13 varieties crop Leaf lettuce, where this is mentioned in the description.

The most dangerous specialized pest of lettuce is the lettuce aphid Nasonovia ribisnigri, which damages young leaves in the center of the rosette, causing deformation, chlorosis, and stunted growth. Polyphagous species such as the green peach aphid and the potato aphid are also found on the crop. Damage is exacerbated by the secretion of honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold, and the transmission of viral diseases such as lettuce mosaic virus and cucumber mosaic virus.

Breeding for resistance is conducted with consideration for biotypes Nr:0 and Nr:1. Genetic resistance is indicated by the symbol Nr, with wild species Lactuca virosa and Lactuca serriola serving as sources. Varieties with resistance genes prevent insect feeding and reproduction, providing effective control of pest populations without the use of chemical plant protection products.

General information about the subject — on the page Aphids.

Sources8

Varieties of Leaf lettuce mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.