Predation of the cereal aphid Sitobion avenae by polyphagous predators on the ground

Abstract. 1. Polyphagous predator densities were manipulated in a wheat crop using polythene exclusion barriers.
2. The rates at which aphids fell to the ground and subsequently climbed and returned to the crop canopy were measured.
3. Peak aphid density was highest when polyphagous predator density was lowest.
4. Similar rates of aphid fall-off were measured in each plot, but aphid climbing rate was highest when predator densities were lowest.
5. It was concluded that ground-zone predators reduced the rate at which aphids return to the crop canopy.     

The influence of nitrogen fertiliser on the population development of the cereal aphids Sitobion avenae (F.) and Metopolophium dirhodum (Wlk.) on field grown winter wheat

The effect of nitrogen fertiliser on populations of the cereal aphids Sitobion avenae and Metopolophium dirhodum on winter wheat was investigated in a three year field experiment. Naturally occurring aphid populations were monitored on three nitrogen treatments; none, nitrogen application using Canopy Management guidelines (130–210 kg ha^-1) and conventional practice (190 kg ha^-1). Inoculations of laboratory reared S. avenae were used to enhance field populations on half the plots. Natural populations of M. dirhodum remained below the current UK spray threshold level of two-thirds of shoots infested at the start of flowering, or five aphids per shoot in all years, whilst populations of S. avenae exceeded the threshold in all years. The response of the two species to nitrogen differed. Significantly higher populations of M. dirhodum were recorded in both treatments which received nitrogen in all years, whilst the response of S. avenae varied between years. In 1994 and 1995 when environmental conditions favoured aphid development, higher populations were recorded in the two treatments which received nitrogen. In 1993 when high rainfall created unfavourable conditions, higher populations were recorded in the plots receiving no nitrogen. Differences in peak density and cumulative aphid index of S. avenae resulted from differences in the rate of population increase between ear emergence and peak density on the different treatments. Populations prior to ear emergence were higher in the plots which received nitrogen but the differences were not statistically significant. There was no evidence of a difference in the timing of population decline in the different treatments. In 1993 higher levels of infection by entomopathogenic fungi were observed in all treatments. Significantly higher levels of infection were recorded in the treatments receiving nitrogen, which may have accounted for the lower S. avenae populations recorded. It is possible that the larger canopies recorded in these treatments produced conditions which favoured infection by fungi, thereby limiting aphid population growth. The results indicate that application of nitrogen increases natural populations of M. dirhodum, and under favourable conditions, populations of S. avenae. However, in suboptimal climatic conditions, the application of nitrogen fertiliser can lead to lower populations of 5. avenae. The data also suggest that there is no consistent difference between a conventional and Canopy Managed approach to nitrogen fertiliser use in terms of the risk of infestation by cereal aphids.     

Endoparasitism in cereal aphids: molecular analysis of a whole parasitoid community

Insect parasitoids play a major role in terrestrial food webs as they are highly diverse, exploit a wide range of niches and are capable of affecting host population dynamics. Formidable difficulties are encountered when attempting to quantify host–parasitoid and parasitoid–parasitoid trophic links in diverse parasitoid communities. Here we present a DNA-based approach to effectively track trophic interactions within an aphid–parasitoid food web, targeting, for the first time, the whole community of parasitoids and hyperparasitods associated with a single host. Using highly specific and sensitive multiplex and singleplex polymerase chain reaction, endoparasitism in the grain aphid Sitobion avenae (F) by 11 parasitoid species was quantified. Out of 1061 aphids collected during 12 weeks in a wheat field, 18.9% were found to be parasitized. Parasitoids responded to the supply of aphids, with the proportion of aphids parasitized increasing monotonically with date, until the aphid population crashed. In addition to eight species of primary parasitoids, DNA from two hyperparasitoid species was detected within 4.1% of the screened aphids, with significant hyperparasitoid pressure on some parasitoid species. In 68.2% of the hyperparasitized aphids, identification of the primary parasitoid host was also possible, allowing us to track species-specific parasitoid-hyperparasitoid links. Nine combinations of primary parasitoids within a single host were found, but only 1.6% of all screened aphids were multiparasitized. The potential of this approach to parasitoid food web research is discussed.     

Rates of consumption of cereal aphids by some polyphagous predators in the laboratory

The consumption rates of nine species of Carabidae and five species of Staphylinidae which feed on the aphid Sitobion avenae (F.) were studied under conditions of surplus food in the laboratory. The mean daily consumption of aphids was between 2.5% and 45.6% of the predator species' mean body weight; the lowest values were for large Carabidae and the highest for small Staphylinidae. Separate significant positive relationships were found between the mean total weight of aphids consumed per day, and the mean weight of the adult of the carabid and staphylinid species at each temperature. A re-evaluation of published data also showed this. The slopes of the regression lines were steeper for the Staphylinidae than for the Carabidae and possible reasons are given. The regression equations could be used in simulation models to determine the maximum possible effects of these beetles on aphid populations.

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Résumé La consommation de Sitobion avenae F. par 9 espèces de Carabidae et de 5 de Staphylinidae a été examinée au laboratoire en condition de surapprovisionnement. Les expériences ont été répétées dans 4 conditions de températures variables caractérisées par des moyennes de 12°3, 16°6, 20°6 et 23°6. Les poids moyens de pucerons consommés variaient entre 2,5% et 45,6% du poids des prédateurs; les valeurs les plus faibles correspondant aux gros carabes et les plus élévées aux petits staphylins.Les différences entre sexes étaient vraisemblablement dues au dimorphisme pondéral. Une relation significative et positive entre le poids moyen de pucerons consommés et le poids moyen du coléoptère a été mise en évidence tant pour les carabes que les staphylins à toutes les températures (Fig. 1, Tableau 2). Cette relation ressort aussi d'une réévaluation des données publiées. L'utilisation de formules de régression dans des modèles de simulation permettra de prédire les effets des carabes et des staphylins sur les populations de pucerons dans ces conditions optimales.

     

Development of selective aphicide treatments for integrated control of summer aphids in winter wheat

Field experiments on the use of recommended and reduced application rates of aphicides for control of summer aphid infestations on winter wheat have been done at five sites each year from 1990 to 1992. The experiment compared sprays of pirimicarb at recommended rate (140g a.i. ha^-1) and reduced rate (25 g a.i. ha^-1) and of alphacypermethrin at recommended rate (15 g a.i. ha^-1) and one third recommended rate (5 g a.i. ha^-1), each applied either at flag leaf emergence or at flowering. Aphid infestations were allowed to develop naturally and were measured at critical growth stages. In 1990, overwintered aphid infestations, together with established populations of parasitoids, were detected at four of the five sites when the first assessment was made in April. Parasitoids provided sufficient aphid control to prevent yield loss at two sites, without pesticide applications. At three sites both aphicides gave similar levels of control and yield response at both recommended and reduced application rates. In 1991 and 1992 no overwintered aphids were detected in the crops and aphid infestations developed much later. Aphicide applications gave significant yield responses at four sites in 1992. Recommended rates gave better control of aphids than reduced rates. There was no significant difference in the yield response obtained with different rates of aphicide.     

Changes in activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase within cereal aphids in response to plant o-dihydroxyphenols

Abstract:  Superoxide dismutase and catalase activity was found in the bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) and the grain aphid, Sitobion avenae (F.). Among the aphid morphs studied, the highest activity of the antioxidant enzymes was noted for winged adults (alatae) and the lowest for wingless (apterae) ones. Higher activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase was observed in the polyphagous species R. padi that alternates between woody host plants and grasses. On some ocassions, activity of superoxide dismutase in cereal aphids was increased by twofold, when aphids were exposed to toxic plant o -dihydroxyphenols. An opposite tendency was observed in case of activity of the catalase that was strongly reduced within body of phenolics-treated insects. Among the plant allelochemicals studied, caffeic acid showed the strongest effect on the activity of the antioxidant enzymes of the cereal aphids. The experiments carried out indicate that antioxidant enzymes might play an important role in interactions between cereal aphids and their host plants.     

五种类型农药不同剂量与施药时期对麦蚜防治效果及麦粒农药残留的影响

采用喷雾法,研究了辛硫磷、高效氯氰菊酯、抗蚜威、阿维菌素和吡虫啉5种类型农药的3种剂量在不同施药时期对麦长管蚜Sitobion avenae(Fabricius)和禾谷缢管蚜Rhopalosiphum padi(Linnaeus)的防治效果、防后对小麦千粒重的影响和籽粒中农药残留分析。结果表明,不同剂量的各种药剂,第1次施药药后1d对麦长管蚜与禾谷缢管蚜的防治效果均在80%以上,药后3d防效分别在90%和84%以上,药后5d防效分别在95%和92%以上;不同种类或不同剂量处理的防治效果之间存在显著差异(P<0.05)。第2次施药后1～5d对麦长管蚜的防效均在90%以上。与对照比较,施药1次小麦千粒重增加率为2.02%～11.93%;施药2次,千粒重增加率为8.01%～15.87%。农药残留检测结果显示,不同种类不同剂量浓度下在冬小麦扬花末期喷施1次农药和间隔5d的灌浆中期第2次农药,以及春小麦田相似农药处理,其籽粒中农药残留均有一定程度的检出,但均未超出限定标准;而在小麦乳熟期(与第1次施药间隔10d,距离成熟收获15d)喷施第2次农药,其中高效氯氰菊酯和吡虫啉已经达到或超出残留限量标准。     

麦蚜Cdc42基因的准确组织定位和定量分析方法研究

本文采用原位杂交方法,对Cdc42在麦长管蚜Sitobion avenae(Fabricius)不同组织分布进行定位,结果表明在滴加杂交液的组织切片被特异性的染成棕褐色,而阴性对照不着色;有、无翅蚜的头部和腹部均有特异性着色点,头部的着色点集中在两复眼之间,腹部的着色点几乎全集中在伪胚胎;有翅蚜的胸部几乎全部被着色,而无翅蚜的胸部几乎没有特异着色点。再运用实时荧光定量RT-PCR技术,进行了该基因的相对表达量测定,结果表明麦长管蚜Cdc42基因在不同组织及各虫期均能表达,若蚜期高于成蚜期,有翅蚜高于无翅蚜,且伪胚胎就有较高的转录水平。由此得知,基于原位杂交与实时荧光定量RT-PCR的技术相结合的方法,可有效进行麦蚜Cdc42基因的准确组织定位和定量分析,为Cdc42基因在麦蚜的翅型分化调控上的功能研究奠定了分子检测基础。     

新烟碱类杀虫剂拌种对麦蚜田间防效及药剂残留动态分析

为了分析两代新烟碱类杀虫剂吡虫啉和噻虫嗪拌种对麦蚜的防治效果的差异以及2种药剂在小麦叶片内的残留动态,采用吡虫啉和噻虫嗪有效剂量0.5、1.0、2.0和4.0g/kg小麦种子在播种前进行1次性拌种处理,随后调查了不同处理下田间麦蚜的种群密度,并对不同时期小麦叶片内的药剂残留进行了监测。结果表明:吡虫啉有效剂量2.0和4.0g/kg,噻虫嗪有效剂量1.0、2.0和4.0g/kg小麦种子播前拌种能有效的降低田间麦蚜的种群数量。在4月10日前,吡虫啉在小麦叶片内的含量明显高于噻虫嗪,4月28日后两者差异不明显。与吡虫啉相比,噻虫嗪对麦蚜具有更高的生物活性和控制效果。     

The effect of reducing growth in winter wheat on the population dynamics of the grain aphid Sitobion avenae (F.)

1 The effect of reducing the growth of winter wheat on population size and development of the grain aphid Sitobion avenae was studied. 2 Automatic, mobile, crop shading devices, which reduced radiation comparable to levels found on a cloudy day, whilst minimizing other climatic changes, were used to reduce crop growth. Shading was applied between either GS 31 and 39 (1st node detectable → flag leaf ligule just visible) or GS 39 and 55 (flag leaf just visible → 50% of inflorescence emerged). 3 Sitobion avenae populations were initiated at GS 55 and highest populations were subsequently observed on plants shaded between GS 31 and 39. 4 Individual aphids confined within clip cages were observed to measure development from birth to adult moult, adult lifespan and fecundity. Results indicated that adult lifespan was shortest on plants shaded between GS31 and 39, whilst there were no differences in development time or fecundity. 5 Possible explanations for these observations are discussed.     

Development and reproductive potential of the cereal aphid Sitobion avenae on resistant wheat lines (Triticum monococcum)

The effect of wheat resistance in lines of Triticum monococcum L., on the reproductive performances of the cereal aphid (Sitobion avenae F.) was investigated. Aphids were reared from birth to adult moult either on resistant or susceptible wheat lines, and transferred as apterae to both host genotypes. The influence of these transfers on the subsequent adult weight, gonad status and reproductive performances was evaluated. Aphids transferred from resistant to susceptible plants proved able to compensate for their poor nymphal growth, mainly through additional embryo growth and an increase in the number of matured embryos within the first 10 days of their adult life. Most aphids transferred from susceptible to resistant plants died within the first week following the transfer. Their most advanced embryos matured and were born, but subsequent embryo growth was quickly reduced. The reproductive strategies adopted by S. avenae when facing plant resistance, and the hypothesis of a resistant mechanism based on a poor nutritional state of the resistant plants are discussed.     

小麦蚜虫的优势天敌及对蚜虫的自然控制

小麦蚜虫天敌资源丰富 ,其优势天敌在甘肃环县有 30余种。各种蚜虫天敌在小麦不同生育期先后衔接、互相配合 ,对小麦蚜虫的发生起着有效的自然控制作用 ;蚜虫与天敌在不同年际间也呈现出一定的规律性变化。保护利用天敌应与测报、防治和改善生态环境相结合     

The effects of sowing date and choice of insecticide on cereal aphids and barley yellow dwarf virus epidemiology in northern England

During the mid-1980s, Sitobion avenae became recognised as an important vector of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) in the Vale of York. A field trial at the University of Leeds Farm, North Yorkshire, was carried out during the autumn/winter of 1984-85 to evaluate different control procedures against S. avenae-transmitted BYDV and to investigate its epidemiology. Winter barley was sown on three dates in September, and plots were sprayed with either deltamethrin, demeton-S-methyl or pirimicarb on one of three dates between mid-October and mid-November, making a factorial design. Rhopalosiphum padi, the main vector of BYDV in southern England, were rarely found during the experiment, but the numbers of S. avenae were much higher, reaching a peak of 21% of plants infested in the unsprayed plots of the first sowing date. Single applications of each insecticide reduced populations of S. avenae to zero. Some treatments, particularly in the early sown plots and those treated with pirimicarb, however, did allow some recolonisation, and thus led to increased virus incidence and decreased yields. Sprays applied before the end of the migration of S. avenae were more efficient at controlling BYDV if the insecticide was persistent, otherwise a spray after this period, in November, was more effective. Virus incidence, although reduced by sprays, was generally low in plots sown on 18 and 27 September. In contrast, about 11% of plants were infected in unsprayed plots sown on 6 September and a small yield benefit was obtained with insecticidal treatments. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of plants taken from the plots indicated that MAV- and PAV-like strains were present, and were most likely to have been transmitted by S. avenae.     

释放天敌瓢虫和施用化学农药吡虫啉对麦田蚜虫的控制效果评价

以常规防治农药甲胺磷做对照,比较高效低毒化学农药吡虫啉和天敌昆虫瓢虫对田间麦蚜的防治效果。结果表明,施用10%吡虫啉可湿性粉剂300ghm2药后5d和10d的防效分别为15.1%和31.1%,对麦蚜防效理想。释放天敌昆虫瓢虫后5d和10d的防效分别为-347.6%和-171.7%,防效差,这是由于释放天敌后的强降雨所致。     

A field evaluation of different criteria for determiningthe need to treat winter wheat against the grain aphid Sitobion avenae and the rose-grain aphid Metopolophium dirhodum

The economics of control of grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) and rose-grain aphid (Metopolophium dirhodum) were investigated in a series of experiments carried out across England in 1988 and 1989. Sprays of pirimicarb or dimethoate were applied at three growth stages and yield effects measured. Aphid infestations were determined by a range of different methods, to evaluate the value of each for decision making. Aphids overwintered in crops in mild conditions in both seasons, resulting in early population build-up and decline in many cases. Aphicide sprays applied during the booting stage increased average yields by 0.26 t/ha. Profitability of the treatment strategies considered was not greatly enhanced by selective spray application related to aphid assessment at this stage. Delaying decision making to the flowering or grain-filling stages resulted in reduced profitability. A poor correlation between aphid numbers and crop yield response to sprays was found. This was shown to be due to differences in subsequent aphid population development and in aphicide efficacy. Grain quality was affected only by high aphid infestations which caused large yield reductions.     

The impact of dimethoate on the spatial distribution of beneficial arthropods in winter wheat

The within‐field spatial distribution of beneficial arthropods was assessed using two‐dimensional grids of pitfall traps and suction sampling across two winter wheat fields of 4 and 16 ha, before and after an application of dimethoate. An unsprayed 6 m wide buffer zone was left around half the edge of the larger field. Arthropod numbers fluctuated to varying extents prior to spraying. Two species of Carabidae (Pterostichus madidus and P. melanarius), Linyphiidae, Lycosidae and Aphidius spp. (Braconidae) all showed their greatest reduction after spraying. For five carabid taxa, Tachyporus spp. (Staphylinidae) and Collembola the decline in numbers following spraying was no greater than any reduction found during the pre‐spraying period. Within field spatial distributions of three arthropod groups were analysed using SADIE. P. madidus, present in patches across the centre of both fields prior to spraying, was removed by dimethoate and by 34 days after spraying had recovered most at the field edges. Linyphiidae were evenly distributed across both fields prior to spraying. Their numbers were reduced considerably by dimethoate and they did not recover to pre‐spray levels. However, where recovery occurred this was across the centre of both fields indicating their potential to reinvade whole fields. Aphidius species were also evenly distributed across both fields prior to spraying, but did not recover after spraying. Some, but not all arthropods survived within the unsprayed buffer zone and there was some indication that reinvasion of the mid‐field was more extensive where this was present. The importance of field margins with respect to insecticide treatments is discussed.     

Influence of wheat and oat cultivars on the development of the cereal aphid parasitoid Aphidius rhopalosiphi and the generalist aphid parasitoid Ephedrus plagiator

The effects of three wheat cultivars and two oat cultivars on the development of the cereal aphid parasitoid Aphidius rhopalosiphi De Steph. and the generalist aphid parasitoid Ephedrus plagiator (Nees) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) were evaluated in the laboratory. The level of hydroxamic acids, a family of secondary metabolites that can affect the mean relative growth rate of cereal aphids in cereals, were measured in the different cultivars. The parasitoids were reared in Sitobion avenae (F.) (Homoptera: Aphididae), using plants grown under greenhouse conditions. A. rhopalosiphi showed a longer developmental time on wheat relative to oat cultivars. This effect was accounted for by a significant increase in the time from oviposition to pupation (mummy formation), while the duration of the pupal stage remained constant between treatments. No further effects were observed in other variables evaluating A. rhopalosiphi performance, such as adult longevity, adult body weight and secondary sex ratio. The generalist E. plagiator did not show significant differences in any of the variables analysed, both between cultivars and cereal species. Hydroxamic acids levels correlated negatively with mean relative growth rates of S. avenae, but positively with the observed developmental time of A. rhopalosiphi. The results are discussed in terms of tritrophic effects and the development of breeding programmes trying to improve plant resistance to aphids.