Journal of Entomological Research

Recently, a highly polyphagous species, Toxoptera aurantii which is rapidly becoming a major threat to many shrubs, trees and crops was found colonizing on brinjal plant. The adult Toxoptera is microscopic and of only 2 mm long. There are four nymphal wingless stages and brownish in colour. Both male and female adults are alate and apterous and the alate adult are somewhat thinner. The infested leaves become yellowing and plants are stunted, which affects the fruit formation. The insects were found mostly during the fruit bearing stage of the plant and aggregated around the new leaves, flowers and twigs.