Biological aspects of Aphis gossypii Glöver, 1877 (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on colored lint cotton cultivars

Lilian Roberta Batista Correa,Saulo Rene Damião Sala,Francisco Jorge Cividanes

doi:10.1590/s1808-16572013000300010

Lilian Roberta Batista Correa, Saulo Rene Damião Sala + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s1808-16572013000300010

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Abstract

This paper outlines the results of a study into the biological aspects of Aphis gossypii Glöver on colored cotton cultivars through the construction of life tables. In addition, we evaluate the influence of density of gossypol glands and trichomes of leaves on the biology of the aphid. Tests were conducted in a climate chamber at 25 ± 2°C, with relative humidity (RH) at 70 ± 10%, and a photophase of 12 hours, using the cultivars BRS Rubi, BRS Safira, and BRS Verde. Newly hatched nymphs were individually isolated in petri dishes containing leaf discs of cotton cultivars on a layer of water-agar (1%) of approximately 5 mm thick. An evaluation of the trichomes and gossypol gland densities of the cotton leaf plants was performed under a stereomicroscope, delimited to an area of 1 cm², and a count and identification of those on the surface was made. The feed substrates that were evaluated influenced the nymphal stage of A. gossypii. BRS Verde provided the shortest duration and BRS Safira was the longest during this phase. The cultivar BRS Verde, with the lowest density of trichomes, provided a large number of nymphs and led to a higher net reproductive rate (R0). Given these results, conclusions can be drawn that the colored cotton cultivars influence the duration of nymphal and adult stages of A. gossypii. The cultivar with a high density of trichomes on leaves (BRS Safira) adversely affects the fertility parameters of A. gossypii.

Highlights

The production of colored cotton fibers, both conventionally and organically grown, has been considered as a promising activity for producers and other participants in the production of cotton (Beltrão et al, 2004)
The naturally colored cotton has no requirement to pass through the stages of preparation and dyeing, and as it has been grown in a system that fosters biological activity and encourages sustainability, it requires a management system different to that associated with the conventional production (Souza, 2000)
The following colored lint cotton cultivars were used in the tests: BRS Rubi, BRS Verde, and BRS Safira (Gossypium hirsutum latifolium Hutch Lr., herbaceous)

Summary

Introduction

The production of colored cotton fibers, both conventionally and organically grown, has been considered as a promising activity for producers and other participants in the production of cotton (Beltrão et al, 2004). This study concentrated on the biological aspects of A. gossypii in colored cotton cultivars, as well as the construction of fertility and life expectancy tables, and on the evaluation of the influence of trichomes and gossypol glands present in the leaves of the plants on the aphid’s biology.

Results

Conclusion