Janet Baraclough .. wrote:
The message
from (Steve Harris) contains these words:


On http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/cgi-bin/p...opaeolum+majus I
read


"Research indicates that aphids flying over plants with orange or yellow
flowers do not stop, nor do they prey on plants growing next to or above
the flowers[201]. "


[201] Allardice.P. A - Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers Ltd.
1993 ISBN 0-304-34324-2


So could one protect crops from aphids by putting out plastic flowers?
(which might be more convenient)


I've seen aphids on yellow and orange roses and yellow honeysuckle, and
stuck on those bright yellow sticky insect trap-cards. That suggests to
me that the colour is not an aphid deterrent.


I agree. Those with a memory for detail and trivia may recall my "Aphid
apocalypse" post from last summer - my yellow and orange nasturtiums
were very definitely NOT avoided by aphids. I guess it could be
something to do with the plants being practically black with the little
blighters...

Certainly didn't work for me!