ABSTRACT
Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that feed on a wide range of plants, including economically important ones such as grains, vegetables, and fruit trees. They have a high reproductive rate with the ability to produce many generations in a single growing season. This makes them a formidable threat to crop yields and quality, causing direct damage to plants, transmitting plant diseases, and reducing the nutritional value of crops. The management of aphid infestations relies on the use of chemical insecticides or biological control agents, such as predatory insects, parasitoids and pathogens. However, the overuse of chemical pesticides has resulted in the development of resistance, environmental damage, and risks to human health. Therefore, alternative approaches for aphid control are essential. The chapter explores recent advances in understanding aphid feeding behavior, symbioses with microbes, and their interactions with the host plant. In addition, the chapter reviews the economic impact of aphids and emphasizes the vital role of aphids as a crop pest and the need for an integrated and sustainable approach to tackle this problem.
