Vegetables from cabbage to cauliflowers have been hit by the worst attack of aphids in ten years.
An EU ban on a type of pesticide, combined with favourable weather, had led to a population explosion of the insects this year – in particular varieties which feed on fruits and veg, say experts.
This could lead to shortages of some popular foods, particularly brassicas – the vegetable family which includes broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and kale, said experts at Rothamsted Research.
The crop researchers said the number of aphids was at a ten-year high, having used the mild, dry weather from early summer to breed in fields of oilseed rape.
The early breeding means they were able to attack crops of vegetables when they are younger and more vulnerable, Rothamsted expert Mark Taylor told trade journal The Grocer.
Added to this, an EU ban on pesticides known as neonicotinoids may have boosted populations of the peach potato aphid which, despite its name, attacks most varieties of fruit and veg.
The EU issued a two year ban on neonicotinoids in December 2013 because it was feared they were destroying populations of honeybees who are vital for pollination. But it may have also helped populations of other, less welcome, insects.
