Black bean aphid requires more than just control |
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AB Products opts for an approach combining pest control and plant resilience
The black bean aphid (Aphis fabae) is a well-known pest in green spaces. This small, dark aphid can multiply extremely quickly under favourable conditions and mainly causes problems on young shoots and leaves. For arborists and green space managers, an infestation is not merely an aesthetic problem. If growth is inhibited, it can also affect the development and vitality of trees.
According to Mirko Grootscholten of AB Products, an effective approach starts with understanding the plant. The aphid is the visible problem, but the condition of the tree partly determines the severity of the impact. 'A strong plant is better able to withstand an infestation. That is why we look not only at controlling the aphid, but also at strengthening the plant itself.'
Early detection makes a difference
The black bean aphid can be recognised by its dark, almost black colour. The aphids are often found in colonies on young shoots, leaf stalks and leaves. Young growth is particularly vulnerable. The first signs are often not the aphids themselves, but the tree's response. Young leaves may curl, shoots develop poorly and growth slows down.
'The most noticeable thing is often not the aphid itself, but what you see happening to the plant. Growth stops and young shoots barely develop,' says Grootscholten. Because aphids reproduce rapidly, a small infestation can develop into a serious problem in a short time. Early detection is therefore important to allow targeted action.
Effects on growth and quality
Aphids cause damage by feeding on plant sap. Particularly during the growing phase, this can lead to reduced growth. A healthy mature tree will usually be able to cope with an infestation, but trees already under pressure from drought, poor growing conditions or other stress factors may be more severely affected.
Aphids also produce honeydew. This sticky substance can contaminate leaves and provides a breeding ground for sooty mould fungi. As a result, both the vitality and ornamental value of trees can decline.
'If growth is halted in the early stages, the tree often cannot make up that lost ground during the same season,' says Grootscholten.
Take direct action when necessary
When an infestation is already present, speed is important. According to Grootscholten, an effective approach starts with carefully assessing the situation: how severe is the infestation, how is the plant responding and which approach is most appropriate?
AB Products uses Rexilium, among other products. This product acts directly on the insect. 'With Rexilium, we target the aphid directly. The plant-based soap blocks the insect's breathing openings, causing it to die.' According to AB Products, the approach is primarily aimed at rapid and targeted correction once an infestation becomes visible.
Making the plant part of the solution
In addition to direct pest control, AB Products also considers the role of the plant itself. According to Grootscholten, this will become an important part of future approaches: 'The question is increasingly: how can we make sure a plant is stronger and less susceptible to problems?'
One example is Osobio P. This product is absorbed through the leaves and distributed throughout the plant via the sap flow. 'The aphid ingests it while feeding. This allows you to tackle the problem through the plant itself.' According to AB Products, this approach fits within a broader development in green space management: becoming less dependent on corrective measures after problems occur and focusing more on prevention and plant health.
Building a resilient tree
According to Grootscholten, the greatest benefit ultimately lies not in repeatedly controlling pests, but in strengthening the plant. 'The future is not about repeatedly controlling pests, but about making the plant stronger.' He says that elements including silicon and calcium play a role in this. These elements contribute to the development of strong cell walls and can therefore form part of a strategy to improve plant resilience.
For arborists, this means that the management of diseases and pests is increasingly becoming part of integrated tree management. Good growing conditions, sufficient moisture, healthy soil and attention to plant resilience together form the basis for vital trees.
Recognising black bean aphid
- Appearance: dark, almost black aphids in colonies on young shoots, leaf stalks and leaves.
- First signs: curling young leaves, poor shoot development and reduced growth.
- Possible effects: reduced growth, loss of quality, honeydew and sooty mould.
- Approach: detect early, intervene in a targeted manner and work towards a resilient plant.
This article was previously published on 25 September 2026 on the website of Boomzorg.
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