Which pest can cause the highest economic damage in nurseries?

Aphids are known for their ability to reproduce rapidly and their extensive feeding habits, which can lead to significant damage in nursery settings. As sap-sucking insects, they feed on the phloem of plants, weakening them and potentially leading to stunted growth, reduced vigor, and increased susceptibility to diseases. Their feeding can also cause leaf curling, discoloration, and the growth of sooty mold due to the honeydew they excrete.

Additionally, aphids are vectors for numerous plant viruses, which can result in further economic loss as an outbreak can devastate entire crops. Their high reproductive rate allows populations to explode quickly, making control efforts more complicated and costly. Hence, in a nursery environment where plants are often young and vulnerable, the economic impact of aphids can be particularly severe, surpassing the damage caused by other pests like scale insects, spider mites, or Japanese beetles, which can also cause harm but may not deplete resources as quickly or have the same level of viral transmission potential.