About this episode
Entomologist Stephen A. Marshall, who teaches entomology at The University of Guelph in Ontario is the author of the classic tome Insects: Their Natural History and Diversity . And he has just completed a new book Beetles: the Natural History and Diversity of Coleoptera . In this episode he talks about aphids and the damage they can do to your fruit trees and fruiting shrubs. ABOUT Orchard People, formerly known as the Urban Forestry Radio Show from germination in January 2016 until December 2023, has grown over the years, thanks to the collective knowledge and collaboration of the monthly guest experts, organizations, and community from around the world. The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website www.orchardpeople.com . HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST The show airs on the last Tuesday of every month on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM ET! While it’s no longer live, you can still watch or listen anytime—and catch the recorded podcast anytime afterward. Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist . Audio Podcast: Download the podcast and listen on your favorite app after it airs. NEWSLETTER Do you want to learn to grow fruit trees successfully, organically and beyond? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's FREE monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/ BOOKS Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care. Learn more here: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books COURSES Susan is also the creator of five-star rated premium online fruit tree care education at: https://learn.orchardpeople.com ARTICLES For more information on this topic, click on the links below: How to Prune Fruit Trees: https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/ Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases: https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/ How to Feed Fruit Trees: https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/ The Best Fruit Trees to Grow: https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/ How to Graft Fruit Trees: https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/ These show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support! (00:00) - Introduction and Disclaimer (00:18) - Welcome to the Urban Forestry Radio Show (01:24) - Aphid Invasion in Toronto's Community Orchard (04:31) - Meet the Guest: Dr. Stephen Marshall (05:17) - Understanding Aphids: Reproduction and Defense Mechanisms (09:18) - Aphid Colors and Their Significance (10:34) - Aphid Feeding Habits and Honeydew (13:34) - The Role of Ants in Protecting Aphids (14:41) - Factors Influencing Aphid Populations (16:19) - The Impact of Weeds and Other Plants on Aphid Numbers (18:42) - Listener Emails and Questions: How effective are purchased lady beetles, what attracts aphids (24:56) - Lady Beetles: The Natural Aphid Predators (26:38) - Diverse Diets of Lady Beetles (27:46) - Lady Beetles as Biological Pest Control (28:48) - Understanding Insect Mouthparts (30:40) - Aphid Predators: Lacewings and Flower Flies (32:23) - Managing Aphid Infestations in Orchards (35:48) - Community Solutions for Aphid Control (40:12) - The Role of Flower Flies in Aphid Control (45:05) - Damsel Bugs and Other Predatory Insects (46:53) - Conclusion and Farewell