Abstract
Simple SummaryUnderstanding insect–plant interactions is important in designing an integrated pest management program. Green peach aphid is a major insect pest of a wide range of crops. We studied the effects of five vegetable plants on the life table parameters of aphids. Our findings showed that cabbage was the less felicitous host plant to aphids for fecundity and survival. Contrarily, chili pepper was the most susceptible plant and was quite suitable for the faster growth and development of aphids. The information is very useful in designing the integrated pest management strategy against aphids.The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae), a polyphagous insect pest is a major threat to a wide range of crops worldwide. Aiming to evaluate the life history traits of M. persicae, feeding on different host plants, we used five vegetables: cabbage, Brassica oleracea (Brassicaceae); chinese cabbage, B. rapa (Brassicaceae); chili pepper, Capsicum annum (Solanaceae); crown daisy, Chrysanthemum coronarium (Asteraceae); and eggplant, Solanum melongena (Solanaceae). TWOSEX-MSchart software was used for the statistical analysis about the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. The highest fecundity (69.65 individuals) rate of M. persicae, intrinsic rate of increase (r = 0.425 d−1), finite rate of increase (λ = 1.531 d−1), net reproductive rate (R0 = 69.65 offspring), and shortest mean generation time (T = 9.964 d) were recorded on the chili pepper plant. Whereas, lower fitness occurred on cabbage. The findings attained from population growth parameters indicate that chili pepper is the most susceptible plant, while cabbage is resistant to aphids. Population projection results also supported this statement, as the final total population size on cabbage was significantly lower than other plants. The reported information would be useful for devising integrated pest management programs, particularly those involving M. persicae. This information also suggests the adaptability of M. persicae causing economic damage to these vegetable cultivars.
Highlights
Phytophagous insects often feed on a wide range of plant species with different nutritional compositions, chemical defenses, and textures [1]
The pre-adult development period was highest when M. persicae was raised on cabbage (9.36 d), followed by crown daisy (6.19 d), chinese cabbage (5.96 d), chili pepper (5.62 d), and was shortest when raised on eggplant (5.48 d)
Adult longevity was highest when M. persicae was fed on crown daisy (13.8 d), followed by cabbage (13.7 d), chili pepper (13.2 d), eggplant (12.8 d), and was shortest when fed on chinese cabbage (12.7 d)
Summary
Phytophagous insects often feed on a wide range of plant species with different nutritional compositions, chemical defenses, and textures [1]. The adaptation of various host plants through selection pressure by insects’ feeding has led to the evolution of specific host-adapted populations [2]. The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a polyphagous insect pest feeding on more than 400 species of plants from 40 different families and vectors about 100 plant viruses [3,4]. M. persicae feeds on vegetables and some ornamental plants, indicating its extensive genetic variation in accordance with host-plant adaptations. The higher adaptability of this pest allows better survival in diverse climatic conditions and on a variety of host plants [8]
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