Laboratory studies on the reproduction of Adalia bipunctata (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae)

The pre-oviposition period, but not the longevity, of adult A. bipunctata was significantly shorter when they had been reared to the adult stage on Microlophium evansii and then fed on Acyrthosiphon pisum, than when fed in the adult stage on Aphis fabae. When adult beetles, reared as larvae on M. evansii, were fed on A. pisum they laid twice as many eggs as similarly reared adults fed on A. fabae. The species of aphid fed to the insects during their adult life (but not their larval life) greatly affected fecundity, and A. pisum is perhaps a more nutritious food for A. bipunctata than A. fabae is. Virgin females laid infertile eggs but only half as many as those laid by mated females.

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Laboratoriumsuntersuchungen über die vermehrung von Adalia Bipunctata (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae)

Zusammenfassung Die Praeovipositionszeit, jedoch nicht die Lebensdauer, von erwachsenen A. bipunctata war signifikant kürzer, wenn sie nach Aufzucht mit Microlophium evansii im Adultstadium mit Acyrthosiphum pisum statt mit Aphis fabae gefüttert wurden. Wenn erwachsene Käfer, die als Larven mit M. evansii aufgezogen worden waren, mit A. pisum gefüttert wurden, legten sie doppelt so viele Eier als entsprechend aufgezogene, aber mit A. fabae gefütterte Imagines. Die Blattlausart, welche den Käfern während ihres Imaginallebens-aber nicht während der Larvalentwicklung-als Nahrung geboten wird, beeinflußt ihre Fruchtbarkeit stark; und A. pisum ist vielleicht ein nahrhafteres Futter für A. bipunctata als A. fabae. Unbegattete Weibchen legten unbefruchtete Eier, aber nur halb so viele als begattete.

     

The effects of different aphid foods on Adalia bipunctata L. and Coccinella 7-punctata L

The influence of different aphid foods on larval development and adult fecundity of Adalia bipunctata L. and Coccinella 7-punctata L. was investigated. Certain aphids such as Myzus persicae Sulz. and Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris were suitable for both species. Megoura viciae Buckt., was toxic to A. bipunctata but not to C. 7-punctata. Aphis fabae Scop., although a common natural prey of A. bipunctata, slowed larval development, partly because it was nutritionally unsuitable. Fecundity of adults fed on A. fabae was also reduced to less than half. Larvae and adults of C. 7-punctata developed and reproduced as well on A. fabae as on other suitable aphids. C. 7-punctata caught aphids more quickly than A. bipunctata. Larvae of both species given relatively unsuitable prey fed more slowly than normal and consumed less of each aphid. The toxic aphid M. viciae was rejected by A. bipunctata after a short period of feeding.     

The foraging behaviors of larvae of the ladybird beetle, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Coccinella septempunctata</Emphasis> L., (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) towards ant-tended and non-ant-tended aphids

The foraging behaviors of larvae of the ladybird, Coccinella septempunctata L., towards both the ant-tended aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch, and the non-ant-tended aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris, were investigated in the field and in laboratory experiments. Although there were no differences in the development and growth of the ladybird larvae that preyed on either Ac. pisum or Ap. craccivora, the foraging efficiency of the ladybird larvae that preyed on Ap. craccivora was higher than that of the ladybird larvae that preyed on Ac. pisum in the absence of ants. This result was explained by the fact that the number of Ac. pisum that escaped by dropping off the plant was conspicuously larger than the number of Ap. craccivora that escaped in this fashion and derived from the non-ant-attendance associated with Ac. pisum. In the laboratory experiments, fewer ladybird larvae climbed onto a plant with Ap. craccivora in the presence of ants than onto a plant with Ac. pisum in the absence of ants. The ladybird larvae did not switch from foraging for Ap. craccivora to foraging for Ac. pisum, even after suffering attacks by ants on a plant with Ap. craccivora, and it would appear that ladybird larvae are unable to remember where they have previously been attacked by ants. These results could explain why the ladybird larvae in the field more frequently visited Vicia angustifolia plants with Ap. craccivora than those with Ac. pisum and made more visits when ants were absent than when they were present.     

Host plants affect predator fitness via the nutritional value of herbivore prey: Investigation of a plant-aphid-ladybeetle system

The interactions among host plants(Medicago sativa L., cv. `OKO8' and Vicia faba L., cv. `Windsor'), aphid prey(Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris, Homoptera:Aphididae), and Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) preimaginal biology were evaluated. Interactions were measured over a range of limiting daily prey levels (1.2 mg–16.4 mg)from each host plant colony. Compared withA. pisum reared on V. faba, A. pisum reared on M. sativa storedsignificantly more fatty acids which resultedin a 1.17-fold increase in available caloriesfor developing C. septempunctata. Theincreased survival, decreased developmentaltimes, and larger size of C.septempunctata supplied with A. pisumreared on M. sativa clearly demonstratehost plant effects at the third trophic level. At low very limiting daily prey levels, A. pisum reared on M. sativa were moresuitable prey for C. septempunctatasurvival, development, and adult size thanA. pisum reared on V. faba. Coccinella septempunctata survival ratios(larval), developmental times, and adult sizeconverged (were not statistically different)between host plants at higher daily A.pisum levels. These convergence's supportthe hypothesis that there were quantitativedifferences in the nutritional value ofaphids, as influenced by differences in fattyacids and subsequent nutritional levels(calories), between aphids reared on separateplant hosts. The observed tritrophicinteractions appear to be modulated by thebiochemical response of A. pisum to hostplants.     

Pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris) reduce secretion of extrafloral nectar in broad bean (Vicia faba)

1. Herbivores sometimes suppress plant defences. This study tested whether the presence of pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris) on broad bean (Vicia faba) led to decreased secretion of extrafloral nectar (EFN) which functions as an indirect plant defence against herbivores. 2. To determine effects of aphid infestation on EFN secretion, a comparison was done between EFN secretion in uninfested plants and that in plants infested by A. pisum and another aphid species (Aphis craccivora Koch). 3. When broad bean plants were infested by A. pisum, they secreted significantly smaller amounts of EFN than did uninfested plants and A. craccivora‐infested plants. There was no significant difference in EFN secretion between uninfested plants and A. craccivora‐infested plants. The number of extrafloral nectaries did not differ among the three treatments. 4. These results suggest that A. pisum reduced EFN production in broad bean plants.     

Feeding behavior of aphids on narrow‐leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) genotypes varying in the content of quinolizidine alkaloids

Since the beginning of breeding narrow‐leafed lupins [Lupinus angustifolius L. (Fabaceae)] with a low alkaloid content, susceptibility to several aphid species has increased. Therefore, the probing and feeding behavior of Aphis fabae Scopoli, Aphis craccivora Koch, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), Myzus persicae (Sulzer), and the well‐adapted Macrosiphum albifrons Essig (all Hemiptera: Aphididae) was studied over 12 h on narrow‐leafed lupin genotypes containing varying amounts and compositions of alkaloids. We used the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique to obtain information on the influence of alkaloid content and composition on the susceptibility to various aphid species. Results indicated that the total time of probing of A. fabae, A. craccivora, A. pisum, and M. persicae increased with a reduced alkaloid content, whereas the alkaloid content had no influence on M. albifrons. Almost all of the individuals (>93%) conducted sieve element phases on the highly susceptible genotype Bo083521AR (low alkaloid content). A reduced occurrence of phloem phases was observed during the 12‐h recording on the alkaloid‐rich cultivar Azuro, especially for A. pisum (37.5%) and A. fabae (55.0%). Furthermore, aphids feeding on genotypes with low alkaloid content had in most cases significantly longer sieve element phases than when feeding on resistant genotypes (Kalya: low alkaloid content, yet resistant; Azuro: high alkaloid content, resistant), whereas M. albifrons showed the longest phloem phase on the alkaloid‐rich cultivar Azuro. As most significant differences were found in phloem‐related parameters, it is likely that the most important plant factors influencing aphid probing and feeding behavior are localized in the sieve elements. The aphids’ feeding behavior on the cultivar Kalya, with a low alkaloid content but reduced susceptibility, indicates that not only the total alkaloid content influences the feeding behavior but additional plant factors have an impact.     

Evaluation of four co-occurring ladybirds for use as biocontrol agents of the pea aphid,Acyrthosiphon pisum (Homoptera: Aphididae)

The potential of four co-occurring ladybirds, Coccinella septempunctata (L.), Coccinella transversalis (F.), Cheilomenes sexmaculata (F.), and Propylea dissecta (Mulsant), as predators of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) was investigated. Larger ladybirds were more voracious while smaller ones had higher consumption indices and were more efficient converters of food.     

Some effects of benomyl and carbendazim on Aphis fabae and Acyrthosiphon pisum on field bean (Vicia faba)

Field bean plants were treated with benomyl in a glasshouse, then nymphs of Aphis fabae and Acyrthosiphon pisum were caged on the second pinnate leaf. Soil drenches at concentrations of 150 and 75 μg benomyl/ml or above increased mortality of A. fabae and A. pisum respectively; 250 μg a.i./ml increased mortality and decreased progeny production of alate A. fabae. The effect on mortality persisted for at least 16 days after treatment. Foliar sprays increased mortality at concentrations of 75 μg a.i./ml and above (A. fabae). Field populations of A. pisum were reduced when bean plants were drenched or sprayed at a concentration of 250 μg a.i./ml and A. fabae populations were reduced by drenches but not by foliar sprays. A commercial formulation of carbendazim (Bavistin) increased aphid mortality whereas the formulation medium did not. Under the experimental conditions, benomyl affected the distribution of both species on young bean plants but did not induce a repellent effect; aphids preferred untreated leaves. Mortality and preference tests, and a field experiment, indicated that A. pisum was affected more than A. fabae.     

Worldwide Populations of the Aphid Aphis craccivora Are Infected with Diverse Facultative Bacterial Symbionts

Facultative bacterial endosymbionts can play an important role in the evolutionary trajectory of their hosts. Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are infected with a wide variety of facultative endosymbionts that can confer ecologically relevant traits, which in turn may drive microevolutionary processes in a dynamic selective environment. However, relatively little is known about how symbiont diversity is structured in most aphid species. Here, we investigate facultative symbiont species richness and prevalence among worldwide populations of the cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch. We surveyed 44 populations of A. craccivora, and detected 11 strains of facultative symbiotic bacteria, representing six genera. There were two significant associations between facultative symbiont and aphid food plant: the symbiont Arsenophonus was found at high prevalence in A. craccivora populations collected from Robinia sp. (locust), whereas the symbiont Hamiltonella was almost exclusively found in A. craccivora populations from Medicago sativa (alfalfa). Aphids collected from these two food plants also had divergent mitochondrial haplotypes, potentially indicating the formation of specialized aphid lineages associated with food plant (host-associated differentiation). The role of facultative symbionts in this process remains to be determined. Overall, observed facultative symbiont prevalence in A. craccivora was lower than that of some other well-studied aphids (e.g., Aphis fabae and Acyrthosiphon pisum), possibly as a consequence of A. craccivora's almost purely parthenogenetic life history. Finally, most (70 %) of the surveyed populations were polymorphic for facultative symbiont infection, indicating that even when symbiont prevalence is relatively low, symbiont-associated phenotypic variation may allow population-level evolutionary responses to local selection.     

Changes in metabolic reserves of three species of aphidophagous coccinellidae (Coleoptera) during metamorphosis

Newly moulted fourth instar larvae of Coccinella 7-punctata, Adalia 2-punctata and Propylea 14-punctata contained only small amounts of reserve fat and glycogen. The larvae fed voraciously and accumulated reserves of fat and glycogen faster than water. During the pupal stage, these reserves were rapidly consumed so that the young adult contained relatively more water than the pupa. During metamorphosis, 53 to 75% of the fat and 71 to 87% of the glycogen was consumed, but only small quantities of water were lost. Newly emerged adult C. 7-punctata and A. 2-punctata reared as larvae on Acyrthosiphon pisum were not only heavier but contained more actual water, fat and glycogen than those reared on Aphis fabae. By contrast, adult P. 14-punctata reared on A. pisum were lighter and contained less water than those fed on A. fabae, but their fat and glycogen contents were nearly the same when fed on either aphid species. Newly emerged adult A. 2-punctata that had fed as larvae on Microlophium evansii on nettles in the field were heavier and contained more reserves than others that had fed as larvae on A. fabae on bean plants in the field. Adult A. 2-punctata that had fed as larvae on A. fabae in the field were also heavier and contained more reserves than those reared from larvae fed on laboratory reared A. fabae.

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Zusammenfassung Frischgeschlüpfte Larven des 4. Stadiums von Coccinella septempunctata, Adalia bipunctata und Propylea quattuordecimpunctata enthielten nur gerine Mengen Reservefett und Glykogen, aber viel Wasser. Die Larven frassen gierig und häuften Vorräte von Fett und Glykogen schneller an als Wasser. Während des Puppenstadiums wurden diese Reserven schnell verbraucht, so daß die jungen Imagines relativ mehr Wasser als die Puppen enthielten. Während der Metamorphose wurden 53–75% der Fettes und 71–87% der Glykogens verbraucht, aber nur kleine Mengen Wasser verloren. Frischgeschlüpfte Käfer von C. septempunctata und A. bipunctata, die als Larven mit Acyrthosiphum pisum gefüttert worden waren, waren nicht nur schwerer, sondern enthielten auch mehr freies Wasser, Fett und Glykogen als die mit Aphis fabae aufgezogenen. Im Gegensatz dazu waren erwachsene P. quattuordecimpunctata, die sich von A. pisum genährt hatten, leichter und enthielten weniger Wasser als solche, die mit A. fabea gefüttert worden waren, aber ihr Fett- und Glykogenehalt war fast der gleiche, wenn sie mit anderen Blattläusen ernährt worden waren. Frischgeschlüpfte Käfer von A. bipunctata, die als Larven im Freien auf Brennesseln Microlophium evansii gefressen hatten, waren schwerer und enthielten mehr Reservestoffe als andere, die als Larven im Freien auf Ackerbohnen von A. fabae gelebt hatten. Erwachsene A. bipunctata, die als Larven im Freien A. fabae gefressen hatten, waren ebenfalls schwerer und enthielten mehr Reservestoffe als diejenigen, die im Laboratorium mit a. fabae gefüttert worden waren.

     

Bacteria may contribute to distant species recognition in ant–aphid mutualistic relationships

Mutualistic interactions between ant and aphid species have been the subject of considerable historical and contemporary investigations, the primary benefits being cleaning and protection for the aphids and carbohydrate‐rich honeydew for the ants. Questions remained, however, as to the volatile semiochemical factor influencing this relationship. A recent study highlighted the role of bacterial honeydew volatile compounds in ant attraction. Here, ant's ability to distantly discriminate 2 aphid species was investigated based on bacterial honeydew semiochemicals emissions using a two‐way olfactometer. Both the mutualistic aphid Aphis fabae L. and the nonmyrmecophilous aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris were found to be attractive for the ant Lasius niger L. The level of attraction was similar in both assays (control vs. one of the aphid species). However, when given a choice between these 2 aphid species, ants showed a significant preference for Aphis fabae. Honeydew volatiles, mostly from bacterial origins, are known to be a key element in ant attraction. Using the same olfactometry protocol, the relative attractiveness of volatiles emitted by honeydews collected from each aphid species and by bacteria isolated from each honeydew was investigated. Again, ants significantly preferred volatiles released by Aphis fabae honeydew and bacteria. This information suggests that microbial honeydew volatiles enable ants to distantly discriminate aphid species. These results strengthen the interest of studying the occurrence and potential impact of microorganisms in insect symbioses.     

Some observations on Acyrthosiphon pisum (harris) and Aphis fabae scop. colonizing sweet peas

Virginoparae of Acyrthosiphon pisum preferred the middle mature leaves of sweet peas whereas virginoparae of Aphis fabae preferred the more senescent leaves. A. pisum showed equal preference for healthy plants and those infected with Common Pea Mosaic Virus. From these observations it is considered that A. pisum is more highly adapted to sweet peas than is A. fabae.

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Zusammenfassung In dieser Arbeit werden Beobachtungen über vier Versuche mit Edelwicken mitgeteit. In drei Experimenten wurde der natürliche Befall mit Blattläusen untersucht. Acyrthosiphon pisum wurde in jedem Fall gefunden, vorzugsweise auf den voll entwickelten, mittleren Blättern. In einem der drei Versuche, der statistisch analysiert werden konnte, wurde nachgewiesen, dass A. pisum gesunde Pflanzen und Pflanzen, die mit dem gewöhnlichen Erbsenmosaik angesteckt waren, in gleicher Weise und ohne Bevorzugung besiedelte. Nur in einem Versuch besiedelte Aphis fabae einige der Pflanzen und zog dabei die älteren Blätter vor.Im vierten Versuch wurden Flügellose von A. pisum auf bestimmte Blätter gesetzt und ihr wieteres Verhalten beobachtet. Es zeigte sich, dass sie auf die voll entwickelten, mittleren Blätter zu wandern pflegten.Diese Resultate werden mit Hinsicht auf die Dualdiscrimination Theorie von Kennedy und Booth besprochen, und es wird gefolgert, dass A. pisum als eine oligophage Blattlaus viel mehr an Edelwicken angepasst ist als die polyphage A. fabae.

     

Studies on the Relationship of Urdbean Leaf Crinkle Virus and its Vectors, Aphis craccivora and Acyrthosiphon pisum

Pre and Post-virus-acquisition starvation of Aphis craccivora Koch, and Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris resulted in appreciable increase in percentage of transmission of urdbean leaf crinkle virus. Highest transmission occured when aphids were starved for 90 min prior to virus-acquisition. A. pisum and A. craccivora on 20 and 80 min of post-acquisition starvation and 10 and 20 min of virus-acquisition, respectively inoculated more number of plants. Both the aphids transmitted the virus in probes lasting for one min. However, beyond 5 min of successive transfer on test plants loss in transmissibility was apparent. Viruliferous aphid off the plant retained the virus for a much longer period than on maize plant. The virus appears to be non-persistently borne in the aphids.     

Comparative transmission of bean leaf roll and pea enation mosaic viruses by aphids

Acyrthosiphon pisum was a more efficient vector than Myzus persicae of bean leaf roll virus (BLRV), but the two species transmitted pea enation mosaic virus (PEMV) equally well and much more often than Megoura viciae. M. viciae did not transmit BLRV, and Aphis fabae did not transmit BLRV or PEMV. BLRV and PEMV were transmitted more often by nymphs of A. pisum than by adult apterae or alatae that fed on infected plants only as adults, but both viruses were readily transmitted by adults that had developed on infected plants. The shortest time in which nymphs acquired BLRV was 2 h, and 50 % transmitted after an acquisition period of 4 days. Some nymphs acquired PEMV in 30 min and 50% in 8 h. The shortest time for inoculation of BLRV by adults was 15 min, but some transmitted PEMV in probes lasting less than 1 min. The median latent periods of BLRV and PEMV in aphids fed for 12 h on infected plants were, respectively, 105 and 44 h. Clones of A. pisum differed in their ability to transmit BLRV and PEMV, and efficiency in transmitting the two viruses seemed to be unrelated. Some aphids that fed successively on plants infected with each virus transmitted both viruses, and infectivity with one virus did not seem to affect transmission of the other.     

Genetic variation in larval period and pupal mass in an aphidophagous ladybird beetle (Harmonia axyridis) reared in different environments

Abstract Genetic trade‐offs for host plant use are hypothesized to facilitate the diversification of insect populations through specialization to their host plants. Previous studies mainly estimated the architecture of genetic variances and covariances in herbivorous species with discrete and limited types of host species. In contrast to herbivores, the relative abundance of resources for predatory species fluctuates in time and space, causing a more unpredictable encounter with prey species. The ecological characteristics of resource use might result in a differential mode of selection for herbivorous and predatory species, which could be reflected in a differential genetic architecture of developmental traits such as the duration of larval stage (henceforth referred to as larval period) and size of pupa (measured as pupal weight). This paper presents results from a study on the genetic architecture of larval period and pupal mass of an aphidophagous ladybird beetle, Harmonia axyridis Pallas, in different resource environments. Beetles reared on Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) showed a shorter developmental period and a heavier pupal mass than their siblings on Aphis craccivora Koch or on artificial diet, while the average larval period and pupal mass on A. craccivora and the artificial diet were similar. Further analyses of the genetic architecture suggest that the developmental traits on the two aphid species are genetically correlated, while there are only weak or no genetic correlations between these two traits on the two aphid preys and the artificial diet. Thus, the results suggest that the patterns of genotypic relationships between developmental traits differ from the phenotypic ones. The effects of past selection on the genetic architecture and the possible cause of the genetic correlation are discussed, as well as consequences for mass rearing for biological control.     

Colony growth and dispersal in the ant-tended aphid, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aphis craccivora</Emphasis> Koch,and the non-ant-tended aphid, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acyrthosiphon pisum</Emphasis> Harris,under the absence of predators and ants

To elucidate the potential for colony growth and the dispersal of aphids in relation to the ant attendance, the mobility, tolerance of starvation, colony growth, and dispersal were examined in the ant-tended Aphis craccivora Koch and the non-ant-tended Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris under the absence of predators and ants. The increase of the dispersal rate with density was more conspicuous in Ac. pisum than Ap. craccivora. The success rate of dispersal was higher in Ac. pisum than Ap. craccivora. These results would be derived from the higher ability of dispersal by walking in Ac. pisum than Ap. craccivora. The longer legs, higher walking speed, and stronger tolerance of starvation in Ac. pisum might result in a higher ability of dispersal by walking. These traits may have developed in relation to non-ant attendance, because Ac. pisum aphids frequently escape from natural enemies by dropping from the host plant. On the other hand, Ap. craccivora have not developed morphological and behavioral traits concerning dispersal by walking, because increasing colony size without dispersal is likely to be advantageous for ant attraction. Escaping behaviors of Ap. craccivora from natural enemies have not been well developed due to the ant’s defense against natural enemies. The proportion of alatae in Ap. craccivora was higher than in Ac. pisum instead of a lesser ability for dispersal by walking in Ap. craccivora. The differences in ant attendance have been influenced in the development of morphological and behavioral traits concerning the dispersal ability, and then, different potentials for reproduction and dispersal have developed in ant-tended aphids and non-ant-tended aphids.     

The potential host ranges in Australia of some imported aphid parasites [Hym: Ichneumonoidea: Aphidiidae]

Host selection trials on restricted populations of the aphidiid parasites,Lysiphlebus fabarum (Marshall) andL. testaceipes (Cresson), imported into Australia as biological control agents ofAphis craccivora Koch, the cowpea aphid, have shown that these imported parasites are not widely polyphagous, and thus support a view that the 2 species, as presently recognized, each represent a complex of host-restricted biotypes or of sibling species. Whereas both of the importedLysiphlebus readily oviposited in species ofAphis andToxoptera, and developed successfully to adulthood inA. craccivora, A. gossypii Glover andT. aurantii (Boyer de Fonscolombe), they failed to complete development inA. citricola van der Goot, one of the most common aphid species in Australia, and only a small number completed development inT. citricidus (Kirkaldy). Both of these hosts, then, act as “egg traps” for theLysiphlebus. A. nerii Boyer de Fonscolombe was a suitable host forL. testaceipes but not forL. fabarum. NeitherL. fabarum notL. testaceipes oviposited inCavariella aegopodii (Scopoli),Brevicoryne brassicae (L.),Brachycaudus helichrysi (Kaltenbach),B. persicae (Passerini),Hyperomyzus lactucae (L.),Acyrthosiphon kondoi Shinji,A. pisum (Harris),Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas) orM. rosae (L.); andL. fabarum did not oviposit inRhopalosiphum padi (L.) orMyzus persicae (Sulzer). The prognosis for the effective establishment in Australia of these 2 parasites is therefore not good In contrast, another purportedly polyphagous aphidiid,Praon volucre (Haliday), imported into Australia to help effect control ofH. lactucae, the sowthistle aphid, successfully and effectively parasitizedMacrosiphum euphorbiae, M. rosae, Acyrthosiphon pisum, A. kondoi, Aulacorthum solani (Kaltenbach),Myzus persicae andAphis craccivora, in addition toH. lactucae.     

Toxicity of plant essential oil vapours to aphid pests and their coccinellid predators

The comparative toxicity of five essential oil vapours was tested against four aphid species, the black bean aphid Aphis fabae, the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum, the chrysanthemum aphid Macrosiphoniella sanborni, the green peach aphid Myzus persicae and on two of the most common coccinellid predators, the seven-spotted ladybird Coccinella septempunctata and the two-spotted ladybird Adalia bipunctata. All essential oils were highly toxic to the aphid species tested with LC₅₀ and LC₉₉ values ranging between 0.17 and 1.92 and 0.44 and 4.83 µL/L air, respectively, depending on the aphid species and on the essential oil. Coccinellid predators were also highly susceptible to the essential oil vapours and the selective toxicity ratio varied depending on aphid species, coccinellid predator and essential oil. The possibilities for the utililization of essential oils as aphicides, especially in IPM programmes in glasshouses are discussed with regard to the present findings.     

Host range and overwintering sources of bean leaf roll and pea enation mosaic viruses in England

Bean leaf roll virus (BLRV) and pea enation mosaic virus (PEMV) were each transmitted by Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) to fifteen of thirty species of legumes in the glasshouse; eleven species were susceptible to both viruses. The only biennial or perennial species infected by BLRV were hop trefoil (Medicago lupulina L.), lucerne (M. sativa L.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), but naturally infected sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) and white clover (T. repens L.) were found. The only perennial species infected with PEMV in the glasshouse was kidney vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria L.). Eggs of A. pisum, which seems to be the main vector of BLRV and PEMV in England, were found in winter on several species of cultivated perennial legumes, most on lucerne, fewest on white clover. In spring, more viviparae of A. pisum were found on lucerne than on other perennial legumes, and many on lucerne, but few on red or white clover, were infective with BLRV. Lucerne is probably the main overwintering source of BLRV in areas where lucerne is common, but elsewhere red and white clovers are probably as important. No aphid collected from perennial legumes between 1965 and 1968 was infective with PEMV, but this virus can overwinter in common vetch (Vicia sativa L.). Lucerne infected with BLRV was usually symptomless or showed only transient mild yellowing of young leaves. Lucerne plants showing vein-yellowing, similar to that previously reported as a symptom of BLRV, were possibly infected with an aberrant strain of BLRV but more probably with BLRV and another aphid-transmitted agent. Inoculations from lucerne with vein-yellowing symptoms sometimes caused vein-yellowing, and sometimes typical BLRV-symptoms, in crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.).     

Relation between growth pattern and resistance to Aphis fabae Scopoli in three varieties of field bean (Vicia faba L.)

Three varieties of Field (Spring) Bean were compared in a small plot trial: Rastatt (known to be relatively resistant to Aphis fabae), Schlanstedt (very susceptible) and an English Tick Bean. Records were kept of the growth of the plants and of the day-to-day incidence of winged Aphis fabae and Acyrthosiphon pisum, with periodic aphicidal spraying to minimize damage to the plants.Schlanstedt was the first to flower and fruit, Rastatt intermediate and Tick last with the most shoots, leaves and flowers. Yields were about the same from Schlanstedt and Rastatt and somewhat lower from Tick. The relative incidence of A. fabae both among the organs of one variety and between varieties was correlated with growth pattern. The smaller number of aphids on Rastatt compared with both Schlanstedt and Tick was associated with the compromise growth pattern of Rastatt, wherein growth was more equally divided between shoots and fruits, and apparently less vigorous in the individual organs, during the critical weeks.These observations, together with the contrasted behaviour of A. pisum and previous work on phloem sap composition in relation to plant growth and aphid nutrition, suggest that the sap may have been least nutritious for aphids in Rastatt, and that the resistance of Rastatt to A. fabae may have been due to the winged migrants responding to some superficial plant features associated with growth pattern and sap composition. Possible practical implications are briefly mentioned.

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Zusammenfassung In einem kleinen Parzellenversuch wurden drei Ackerbohnensorten verglichen: Rastatter (bekannt als relativ resistent gegen Aphis fabae), Schlanstedter (sehr anfällig) und eine englische Tick Bohne. Das Wachstum der Pflanzen und der tägliche Befall mit geflügelten Aphis fabae und Acyrthosiphon pisum wurden aufgezeichnet (protokolliert), dabei hielten periodische Spritzungen mit Aphidiciden die Schädigung der Pflanzen möglichst niedrig.Schlanstedter blühte und fruchtete als erste, danach Rastatter (intermediär) und Tick mit den meisten Trieben, Blättern und Blüten zuletzt. Die Erträge von Schlanstedter und Rastatter waren annähernd die gleichen, die von Tick etwas niedriger. Der relative Befall mit Aphis fabae stand sowohl auf den Organen einer Sorte wie zwischen den Sorten in Beziehung zur Wuchsform. Die geringere Anzahl der Blattläuse auf Rastatter im Vergleich sowohl mit Schlanstedter wie mit Tick war mit dem Kompromiß-Wachstum der Rastatter verbunden, wobei das Wachstum während der kritischen Wochen zwischen Trieben und Früchten gleichmäßiger verteilt und offensichtlich bei den einzelnen Organen weniger kräftig ist.Zusammen mit dem gegensätzlichen Verhalten von A. pisum und früheren Arbeiten über die Phloemsaftzusammensetzung in Beziehung zu Pflanzenwuchs und Aphidenernährung weisen diese Beobachtungen darauf hin, daß der Phloemsaft für die Blattläuse bei der Rastatter am wenigsten nahrhaft sein dürfte und daß die Resistenz der Rastatter gegen Aphis fabae auf der Reaktion der geflügelten Migranten auf einige oberflächliche Pflanzeneigenschaften beruhen könnte, die mit Wachstumseigentümlichkeiten und der Saftzusammensetzung verbunden sind. Mögliche praktische Folgerungen werden kurz erwähnt.