What is the scientific name for the melon aphid that affects strawberries?

The scientific name for the melon aphid that affects strawberries is Aphis gossypii. This aphid is a well-known pest that can significantly impact strawberry plants, as it feeds on the sap from the leaves and stems, leading to stunted growth, distorted leaves, and potentially the transmission of plant viruses.

The other options provided do not refer to the melon aphid. Macrosiphum euphorbiae is commonly known as the foxglove aphid, which primarily affects plants in the family Scrophulariaceae and does not specifically target strawberries. Verticillium dahliae is a fungal pathogen responsible for vascular wilt diseases in many plants, including strawberries, but it is not an aphid. Pythium cactorum is a soilborne pathogen related to root rot disorders in strawberries, again not connected to aphids. Understanding the specific pests and pathogens that affect strawberries is essential for effective pest management and crop health.