First report of Aphid, Aphis spiraecola Patch (Aphididae: Hemiptera) on Aralia (Polyscias spp.) from Gujarat, India

The occurrence of Aphis spiraecola Patch (Hemiptera: Aphididae) was observed on Aralia (Polyscias spp.) at College of Horticulture, S. D. Agricultural University, Jagudan, Gujarat, India during December 2023-January 2024 and subsequently during December 2024-January 2025.Specimens obtained from infested leaves and branches were preserved in 70 percent ethanol and examined for taxonomic identification.The identification was authenticated by ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru.Colonies comprising nymphs and adults were associated with leaf curling, crinkling and deformation, along with honeydew deposition and subsequent sooty mould development.Previous literature records the association of this aphid with Aralia in Karnataka; however, its occurrence as an infesting pest on this ornamental host in Gujarat has not been documented.The present observation therefore establishes a new geographical record of A. spiraecola infestation on Aralia in Gujarat, India.