The host plant range of the pea aphid subspecies Acyrthosiphon pisum ssp. destructor (Johnson) (Hom., Aphididae)

Abstract

Abstract: In order to establish the host range of the pea aphid subspecies, Acyrthosiphon pisum ssp. destructor, and hence from which plant species pea crops are likely to become infested, the performance of this aphid on different leguminous plants was assessed. The plant species used were: Lotus uliginosus, Medicago sativa, Melilotus officinalis, Ononis repens, Sarothamnus scoparius, Trifolium hybridum, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, Vicia cracca and Vicia faba. Vicia faba and Trifolium hybridum were the plants on which aphids reached the greatest size, took the least time to reach maturity, and experienced the lowest mortality. The time taken for the aphids to develop to maturity was negatively correlated with adult size, whereas survival to maturity was positively correlated with adult size. The host preference of the aphids was also assessed. The plant species selected as hosts by alatae were those on which their offspring performed best.