Density dependence in cereal aphid populations

Long sequences of data on the incidence of cereal aphids from five European countries were analysed for evidence of density dependent processes occurring between years. Using a randomisation test (Pollard, Lakhani & Rotheray, 1987), density dependence was revealed in all (16) population censuses of Metopolo-phium dirhodum , 60% of Rhopalosiphum padi censuses (10 of 17) but only 25% of Sitobion avenae population censuses (4 of 16). Correcting for density independent effects of weather revealed the existence of significant direct density dependence in some populations censuses where it was previously undetected. The implications of density dependence in cereal aphid populations are considered.     

Responses of summer cereal aphid populations to reduced rate aphicide applications in field plots of winter wheat

Abstract 1 Recommended and reduced rate applications of pirimicarb and alpha‐cypermethrin were applied to winter wheat crops to control summer infestations of grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) and rose‐grain aphid (Metopolophium dirhodum). 2 Aphid numbers were assessed weekly and the yield response to treatment application was compared with accumulated aphid days on the crop. 3 Responses to aphicide treatment varied between sites according to variations in the subsequent development of aphid populations under varying weather conditions and differential pressures from aphid natural enemies. 4 Alpha‐cypermethrin treatment reduced spider density at most sites, and also resulted in a resurgence of aphid populations at three sites.     

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.     

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.     

The effects of organic and conventional fertilizers on cereal aphids and their natural enemies

• 1 Aphids are important pests of spring cereals and their abundance and the impact of their natural enemies may be influenced by fertilizer regime.
• 2 We conducted a 2‐year field study investigating the effects of organic slow‐release and conventional fertilizers on cereal aphids, hymenopteran parasitoids and syrphid predators and considered how the effects of fertilizers on barley morphology and colour might influence these species.
• 3 Barley yield was greater in conventionally fertilized pots. Barley morphology was also affected by treatment: vegetative growth was greater under conventional treatments. Barley receiving organic fertilizers or no fertilizer was visually more attractive to aphids compared with plants receiving conventional fertilizers.
• 4 Aphids were more abundant in conventionally fertilized barley but the reason for this increased abundance was species specific. Metopolophium dirhodum was responding to fertilizer effects on plant morphology, whereas Rhopalosiphum padi was sensitive to the temporal availability of nutrients.
• 5 Syrphid eggs were more numerous in conventionally fertilized pots, whereas the response of parasitoids appeared to be dependent on the abundance of aphids, although the number of parasitoid mummies was low in both years.
• 6 This research shows that the fertilizer treatment used can affect numerous characteristics of plant growth and colour, which can then influence higher trophic levels. This knowledge might be used to make more informed fertilizer application choices.

     

麦长管蚜和禾谷缢管蚜对小麦挥发物的触角电位反应

采用活体蚜虫测定法,利用EAG技术比较分析了麦长管蚜Sitobion avenae和禾谷缢管蚜Rhopalosiphum padi有翅及无翅成蚜对小麦挥发物及麦蚜取食诱导挥发物组分的嗅觉反应,揭示了两种麦蚜的嗅觉变异特点。结果表明：麦长管蚜对水杨酸甲酯、反-2-己烯醛、反-2-己烯醇、-6-甲基-5-庚烯-2-酮和-6-甲基-5-庚烯-2醇的反应较强,禾谷缢管蚜对水杨酸甲酯、反-3-己烯乙酸酯、-6-甲基-5-庚烯-2-酮和-6-甲基-5-庚烯-2-醇的反应较强,并得到了剂量反应曲线。麦长管蚜的有翅和无翅成蚜对6-甲基-5-庚烯-2-酮、反-2-己烯醇和水杨酸甲酯的反应差异显著;禾谷缢管蚜的有翅和无翅成蚜对反-2-己烯醇、辛醛、里那醇、水杨酸甲酯和反-3-己烯乙酸酯的EAG反应差异显著,其原因与禾谷缢管蚜迁移及转主为害的生物学特性有关。     

不同小麦品种（系）叶片表面蜡质对两种麦蚜取食的影响

采用气质联用(GC-MS)和生物测定法,探讨了不同小麦品种(系)叶片表面蜡质对麦长管蚜和禾谷缢管蚜取食的影响.结果表明:SN80、SN18和ZM12叶片表面蜡质对2种蚜虫取食具有刺激作用,而SN87叶片表面蜡质无刺激作用.对4种小麦材料叶片表面蜡质进行GC-MS分析发现,其表面蜡质化学组分有所不同,但主要组分均为长链烷烃,其它组分包括7-十四碳烯、8-十五烷酮、十四烷酸乙酯和十六烷酸乙酯等.生物测定结果表明:长链烷烃(>C17)、7-十四碳烯及8-十五烷酮对两种蚜虫取食具有显著的刺激作用;而乙基柠檬酸、十四烷酸乙酯和十六烷酸乙酯对麦长管蚜取食无刺激作用;十四烷酸乙酯和十六烷酸乙酯对禾谷缢管蚜取食也无刺激作用.     

Effects of Aphid Prey on Larval Development and Mortality of Adalia bipunctata and Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Developmental time and mortality rate of Adalia bipunctata (L.) and Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were determined when feeding on five aphid species. Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker), Sitobion avenae (F.), Rhopalosiphum padi (L.), Hyalopterus pruni (Geoffr.) and Myzus cerasi F. (Homoptera: Aphididae) are widespread in Tekirda?, Turkey. Tests were carried out in a controlled environmental chamber (25±1°C temperature, 65±5% relative humidity and 16 h light:8 h dark period). Developmental times for A. bipunctata and C. septempunctata larvae varied significantly depending on species of aphid prey (P<0.05). Development time (±S.E.) varied from 17.50±0.84 to 20.83±1.60 days for C. septempunctata and 16.7±0.76 to 20.7±1.03 days for A. bipunctata. Mortality of A. bipunctata (50%) and C. septempunctata (63%) were highest on H. pruni.     

Assessment of aphid lethal paralysis virus as an apparent population growth‐limiting factor in grain aphids in the presence of other natural enemies

The influence of aphid lethal paralysis virus (ALPV), Rhopalosiphum padi virus (RhPV), natural enemies and fungal infection on the population growth of Rhopalosiphum padi and Sitobion avenae in the wheat fields of the Western Cape Province of South Africa was investigated at two sites. Time‐specific life tables were compiled for R. padi at one site. During the logarithmic phase of the development of R. padi aphids, natural enemies were not present in high numbers and the apparent large‐scale mortality observed appeared to be due to other causes. During the decline phase of this aphid population, the population size was reduced by 49%. This reduction coincided with a calculated high mortality of 70 aphids per plant. A dramatic decline in R. padi numbers and a high incidence of ALPV present in the aphid population was experienced during this period. Virus assays were carried out by double‐antibody sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (DAS‐ELISA) and an indirect immunofluorescent technique. Entomophthorales‐type fungal infection of aphids also reached its highest level during the decline phase, but at a later stage than ALPV infection, with a calculated level of 21 aphids per plant. This suggested that the presence of ALPV limited population development in R. padi. Similar results were obtained with S. avenae.     

Population dynamics of cereal aphids: influence of a shared predator and weather

1 Aphid populations may show strong year-to-year fluctuations, but questions remain regarding the dominance of factors that cause this variation, especially the role of natural enemies. To better understand the dynamics of aphid species that occur as pests in cereals, we investigated the relative influence of top-down control by a predator and weather (temperature and precipitation) on population fluctuations of three cereal aphid species.
2 From 1987 to 2005, populations of Metopolophium dirhodum , Sitobion avenae and Rhopalosiphum padi in insecticide-free stands of winter wheat were monitored in the Praha-Ruzyné region of the Czech Republic. Densities of an aphidophagous predator, the ladybeetle Coccinella septempunctata , were recorded from an overwintering site in the landscape. Weather was quantified using historical records.
3 A significant bottom-up effect of densities of aphids on those of C.   septempunctata was found, but evidence of direct top-down regulation of aphids by C.   septempunctata was only significant in the case of R.   padi . There was no significant periodicity in the dynamics of the aphid or C.   septempunctata , suggesting that there was no clear predator-prey cycle. Combinations of C.   septempunctata and weather variables could be used to explain M.   dirhodum and R.   padi per capita rate of change. There were also indications that weather directly affected peak density of M.   dirhodum .
4 We conclude that regional estimates of C.   septempunctata densities are not sufficient to determine whether aphid population dynamics are driven by predator–prey interactions. Feasibility of time series analysis as an investigative tool in aphid population dynamics studies is discussed.     

Aerial flow of barley yellow dwarf viruses and of their vectors in western France

During the years 1989–1992 cereal aphids were caught alive in a low level (1.5 m high) suction trap operated in Le Rheu (Brittany, France) and tested for BYDV transmission. In most cases comparisons with data collected simultaneously by a 12.2 m suction trap operating in the same site resulted in good relationships between weekly catches at both heights. Results from transmission tests showed that: (i) the two main BYDV vectors were Rhopalosiphum padi and Metopolophium dirhodum during the years of experiment; (ii) PAV and MAV were the commonest viruses and RPV was relatively scarce; (iii) during spring M. dirhodum appeared to be the most important MAV vector and nearly as good a PAV vector as R. padi; (iv) during autumn R. padi was the only vector of the three viruses with mixed transmission allowing it to transmit also MAV probably by heteroencapsidation. To give an indication of the risk of infection, infectivity indices were calculated by multiplying the numbers of aphids caught by the 12.2 m suction trap by the proportion that were infective. These infectivity indices agreed with field records of primary infections.     

Searching for wheat resistance to aphids and wheat bulb fly in the historical Watkins and Gediflux wheat collections

Insect pests can reduce wheat yield by direct feeding and transmission of plant viruses. Here we report results from laboratory and field phenotyping studies on a wide range of wheat, including landraces from the Watkins collection deriving from before the green revolution, more modern cultivars from the Gediflux collection (north‐western Europe) and modern UK Elite varieties, for resistance to the bird cherry‐oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (Homoptera: Aphididae) and the English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae (Homoptera: Aphididae). A total of 338 lines were screened for R. padi and 340 lines for S. avenae. Field trials were also conducted on 122 Watkins lines to identify wheat bulb fly, Delia coarctata, preference on these landraces. Considerable variation was shown in insect performance among and within different wheat collections, with reduced susceptibility in a number of varieties, but phenotyping did not identify strong resistance to aphids or wheat bulb fly. Field trials showed within collection differences in aphid performance, with fewer aphids populating lines from the Watkins collection. This differs from development data in laboratory bioassays and suggests that there is a pre‐alighting cue deterring aphid settlement and demonstrates differences in aphid preference and performance on older plants in the field compared with seedlings in the laboratory, highlighting the need for phenotyping for aphid resistance at different plant growth stages. No association was identified between performance of the different insect species on individual varieties, potentially suggesting different nutritional requirements or resistance mechanisms.     

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.     

“8455”小麦植株化学成分与麦蚜（长管蚜,二叉蚜）种群消长的关系

通过对两种肥力条件下的“８４５５”小麦植株化学成分与麦长管蚜和麦二叉蚜种群消长关系的研究与分析,结果表明可溶性糖、含钾量、含水量是影响麦二叉蚜种群消长的主要因子,胱氨酸是影响麦长管蚜种群消长的主要因子．     

Possible roles of esterase, glutathione S-transferase, and superoxide dismutase activities in understanding aphid–cereal interactions

Activities of the detoxification enzymes esterase, glutathione S‐transferase, and of superoxide dismutase in aphids and aphid‐infested cereal leaves were assayed using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and a spectrophotometer to elucidate the enzymatic mechanisms of aphid resistance in cereal plants. A chlorosis‐eliciting Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), and non‐chlorosis‐eliciting bird cherry‐oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.), and four cereals were used in this study. The four cereal genotypes were ‘Arapahoe’ (susceptible) and ‘Halt’ (resistant) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), ‘Morex’ (susceptible) barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), and ‘Border’ (resistant) oat (Avena sativa L.). Esterase isozymes differed between the two aphid species, although glutathione S‐transferase and superoxide dismutase did not. Esterase, glutathione S‐transferase, and superoxide dismutase activities in either aphid species were not affected by the level of resistance of a cereal to D. noxia. The assays of cereal leaf samples showed that D. noxia feeding elicited an increase in esterase activity in all four cereal genotypes, although R. padi feeding did not. The increase of esterase activity in cereals, however, was not correlated to aphid resistance in the cereals. The time‐series assays of aphid‐infested cereal leaves showed that D. noxia‐infested Morex barley had a significant increase in esterase activity on all sampling dates (3, 6, and 9 days) in comparison with either uninfested or R. padi‐infested barley. No difference in glutathione S‐transferase activity was detected among either aphid infestations or sampling dates. The electrophoretic assays, however, revealed that aphid feeding elicited a significant increase in superoxide dismutase activity, which served as the control of glutathione S‐transferase activity assays. The increase in esterase and superoxide dismutase activities suggested that D. noxia feeding imposes not only toxic, but also oxidative stresses on the cereals. The ramification of using these enzyme activity data to understand the etiology of D. noxia‐elicited chlorosis is discussed.     

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。     

Models for spring migration of two aphid species Sitobion avenae (F.) and Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) infesting cereals in areas where they are entirely holocyclic

1 Cereals can be attacked severely by the grain aphid, Sitobion avenae (F.), and the bird cherry‐oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.). The time of migration from winter hosts in spring is important regarding input to decision support systems concerning insecticide treatment of aphids. 2 The present study aimed to construct two separate migration models, which could be used immediately for advisors and farmers but also be part of a decision support system for the chemical control of aphids in winter wheat and spring barley. 3 Winter wheat (Triticum sativum Lam.) and spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) fields were monitored from 1991–2005 for the occurrence of grain aphids and bird cherry‐oat aphids, and the data were used to construct migration models. 4 The models were constructed based on all 9 years data and subsequently validated by using all 9 years data, excluding 1 year at a time. 5 The migration model for the grain aphid producing the best forecast was obtained with migration date M (number of days from 1 June), degree‐days (DD) of April (T_a) and DD of May (T_m), with the model being M= 265.0 ? 10.2 log_e(T_a) ? 35.1 log_e(T_m). 6 The migration model for the bird cherry‐oat aphid producing the best forecast was obtained with migration date M (number of days from 15 May), DD of April (T_a) and DD from 1–15 May (T_m1), with the model being M= 294.4 ? 34.7 log_e(T_a) ? 22.5 log_e(T_m1). 7 The models only worked well in areas where the grain aphid and the bird cherry‐oat aphid are entirely holocyclic.     

The effect of parasitism by Aphelinus abdominalis and drought on the walking movement of aphids

The effect of simulated plant stress and parasitism by Aphelinus abdominalis (Dalman) on the mobility of four species of aphids was investigated. The aphids were placed on water stressed potted plants or on excised leaf segments on dry or moist filter-paper in Petri dishes. Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) was infested with Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker), Sitobion avenae (F.) and Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) (segments only), aubergine (Solanum melongena) leaf segments with Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas). The aphids that moved off the plants were removed and their development stage determined at 24-h (drought-stressed plants) or 3-h (leaf segments) intervals. On intact plants, aphid larvae were reluctant to move, and only moved after moulting into adults. On cut leaves, young 1st and 2nd instar larvae were more reluctant to move than 3rd and 4th instar larvae and adults. The numbers moving were initially positively correlated with aphid population density, and in M. euphorbiae occurred mainly during the night. Depending on aphid species and parasitoid age, parasitism by A. abdominalis retarded or accelerated movement, but the differences between young and old larvae and adults persisted after parasitism. A. abdominalis lays male eggs in small hosts and female eggs in large hosts. Consequently, its sex ratio was affected by differential movement of the host aphids of the male and female parasitoids. Old larvae and adult aphids readily moved and carried off female parasitoids, while the small aphids were more likely to remain and give rise to male-biased sex ratios.     

“8455”小麦植株化学成分与麦蚜（长管蚜、二叉蚜）种群消长的关系

通过对两种肥力条件下的“8455”小麦植株化学成分与麦长管蚜和麦二叉蚜种群消长关系的研究与分析,结果表明可溶性糖、含钾量、含水量是影响麦二叉蚜种群消长的主要因子,胱氨酸是影响麦长管蚜种群消长的主要因子。