Abstract
Genetic and morphological differentiation of insect populations in relation to the use of different host plants is an important phenomenon that leads to ecological specialization. In this study, we describe variations in morphology, and in ecological and biological parameters of Lipaphis pseudobrassicae (Kaltenbach) clones associated with three host species of Cruciferae, Brassica juncea (L.) var. rai sarson Czern and Cross (brown mustard), Brassica campestris L. var. sarson Prain (yellow mustard), and Rorippa indica (L.) Hiern (wild herb). This study was aimed at obtaining evidence regarding phenotypic differentiation induced by, or associated with, the use of distinct host species. Ten morphological characters, 4 growth parameters and 8 biological functions were investigated in wingless aphids collected from plants of the three host species. Aphids from B. campestris and B. juncea clones were bigger in size, heavier in weight and showed higher growth rates and fecundity than the clones from R. indica. Between the two crop plants, clones from B. juncea showed significantly higher growth rates than the clones from B. campestris. Transfer of L. pseudobrassicae populations from B. campestris to B. juncea and R. indica and vice versa resulted in poor performance. Results indicate that the average phenotype of L. pseudobrassicae individuals inhabiting different host plant species differs as a consequence of the contrasting feeding environments the host species provide.
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