Aphid Abundance Research Articles

ОЦЕНКА ВИДОВОГО РАЗНООБРАЗИЯ ТЛЕЙ (HEMIPTERA, APHIDIDAE) В АГРОЦЕНОЗЕ ОПЫТНОГО ПОЛЯ ВИЗР ПУШКИНСКОГО РАЙОНА САНКТ-ПЕТЕРБУРГА В 2021–2023 гг.

The research was carried out in order to analyze changes in species diversity and the dynamics of aphid abundance within the same agrocenosis under different weather conditions. The species composition and abundance of aphids were monitored using the Malaise trap at the VIZR experimental field (Pushkinsky district of St. Petersburg) during the growing season 2021-2023. During this period, 34 species of phytophages were identified, of which 20 are pests of crops, including 9 species in 2021, 11 species in 2022 and 27 species in 2023. The smallest number of individuals in the trap was observed in 2021 (36 pcs.), in 2022 and 2023 it was about the same (97 and 101 pcs., respectively). The largest number of insect species and individuals in one trap was identified in 2023, which was the result of a favorable interaction of abiotic and biotic factors. In 2021, the traps were dominated by dendrophilous aphids, among which the largest was the European birch aphid.

Distribution and Abundance of Pine Needle Aphids (Eulachnus rileyi Williams) and Their Potential Natural Enemies on Pine Tree Species (Pinus patula and Pinus elliottii) at Sao Hill Forest Plantation, Tanzania

A study was conducted at SHFP, Tanzania to assess the distribution and abundance of PNA and their potential natural enemies. Systematic sampling was used to select every 5th tree along the row of the particular compartment. Five shoots were randomly cut from lower, middle and upper crown parts of each selected tree for laboratory analysis. Data analysis was performed using R and Excel, with normality and homogeneity of variance checked using Shapiro-Wilk and Levene’s tests, respectively. Results revealed that PNA was un-equally distributed throughout the divisions, trees species and age classes at SHFP. The abundance of adult aphids per twig was 7.6 and 12.9 for Division II and III, respectively and was significantly different. Similarly, the mean abundance of eggs and nymphs per twig were 5.5 and 12.2 in Division II and 9.2 and 21.1 in Division III, respectively. Nymphs were more abundant than eggs and adults, while eggs were the least abundant across all examined pine species and age classes. The abundance of adult aphid was 19.6 and 7.0 for P. elliottii and P. patula, respectively and was significantly different. For P. patula, the abundance of adult aphid per twig was 7.3, 8.5 and 5.1 for young, middle and old age classes respectively. In P. elliottii stands, the abundance of adult aphid population per twig was 23.2 and 17.9 for middle and old age classes respectively. The middle part of the tree crown had the highest aphid abundance for both tree species and age classes. Three main natural enemies were identified: Coccinellid beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), Spiders (Arachnida) and Stink bugs (Pentatomidae), but their numbers were low. The correlation between the abundance of PNA and natural enemies was weakly positive (Rho = 0.0859) but statistically significant (p = 0.035). Tending operations i.e. thinning, weeding, pruning, and regular insect survey and monitoring programs, are recommended to mitigate favorable conditions for aphid growth. Additionally, the SHFP management team should reconsider the introduction and release of Tetraphleps raoi or other predators as biological control agents over large area to increase the current stock of the natural enemies as there were no introduce natural enemies found in the plantation

Effects of saline-alkali stress on cotton growth and physiochemical expression with cascading effects on aphid abundance.

Environmental stresses, such as soil salinity or alkalinity, usually affect crop growth and secondary plant metabolism, with follow on effects on foliar-feeding insects. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism of how saline-alkali stress affects the key cotton pest Aphis gossypii Glover is poorly understood. In this study, we first considered effects of three types of saline-alkali stress (i.e., salinity alone, alkalinity alone - both at different concentration - and their mixed effects) on cotton plants. We then measured impacts of stress on (1) above and below plant growth traits (e.g., plant height, leaf area, root volume), (2) levels of nutrients and secondary metabolites in cotton leaves, and (3) feeding behavior, life-table parameters, and population growth of A. gossypii. We then used a path analysis to evaluate cascading effects of changes in plant growth (due to stress) and changes in levels of nutrients or secondary metabolites on growth of individual cotton aphids and aphid populations. We found either salinity or alkalinity stresses significantly reduced cotton growth, increased the content of tannin, soluble sugars, and proline in the leaves, and suppressed aphid growth and development, (including longevity, fecundity, and intrinsic rate of increase) and aphid population growth. Alkalinity had stronger effects on these traits than did salinity. This work provides insights into the bottom-up interaction mechanism by which these environmental stresses mediate aphid infestation levels in the cotton agricultural ecosystem.

Infestation Rates, Seasonal Abundance of Aphids and Relationships with Some Environmental Factors in Different Forest Habitats in Southwestern Türkiye

Aim of study: It was to determine the infestation rate and seasonal abundance of aphids and their relationships with some environmental factors in forests. Area of study: The study was conducted in Pinus nigra, P. brutia, Cedrus libani, Abies cilicica, Juniperus spp., Quercus spp. and Robinia pseudoacacia forests (34 sampling areas) in Isparta. Materials and methods: Systematic sampling was carried out monthly throughout April-October in 2019-2020. As aphid density and infestation rates were determined, 30 cm shoots were taken from 10 trees. The slope, aspect, elevation, forest characteristics, daily minimum, average, and maximum temperature and total precipitation were recorded. Main results: Abundance were highest in P. nigra, Quercus and Robinia pseudoacacia forests in both years. There was a significant correlation between abundance and development stages (p

Can a Mixture of Farnesene Isomers Avert the Infestation of Aphids in Sugar Beet Crops?

The negative impact of pesticides on the environment and the potential of pest species to develop pesticide resistance make it necessary to explore new methods of pest control. Pheromones and other behavior-modifying semiochemicals are already important in integrated pest management (IPM). (E)-ß-farnesene (EBF) is a semiochemical that acts as an alarm pheromone in aphids. Upon perception of EBF, aphids stop feeding, move away, and sometimes even abandon the host plant. The aphids Myzus persicae and Aphis fabae are significant crop pests and vectors of many harmful phytopathogens affecting sugar beet (Beta vulgaris). Field trials were conducted at different locations in Germany to test whether dispensers containing a mixture of farnesene isomers (FIMs) including EBF were able to reduce the infestation of these species on sugar beet. Our results showed a reduction in aphid abundance in the FIM-treated patches in two out of three sites. Therefore, we hypothesize that FIM dispensers could prevent aphid infestation and could be used in combination with other IPM measures. However, more research is required to increase the effect and ensure the reliability of this method.

The Belowground-Aboveground Interactions of Zucchini: The Effects of Trichoderma afroharzianum Strain T22 on the Population and Behavior of the Aphid Aphis gossypii Glover and Its Endoparasitoid Aphidius colemani Viereck.

Fungi belonging to the genus Trichoderma have received high consideration in agriculture due to their beneficial effects on crops from their plant promotion effects and protection from disease. A role of Trichoderma fungi in triggering plant defense mechanisms against insect pests, either directly or by natural enemy attraction, has been proposed, even if the results in different studies are controversial. In this present study, using zucchini plants as a model species, we investigated the effects of Trichoderma afroharzianum strain T22 plant inoculation on the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii and its endoparasitoid Aphidius colemani. Our results showed that the inoculation with T. afroharzianum T22 promotes A. gossypii population growth and makes zucchini more attractive to the aphid. The higher abundance of aphids on Trichoderma-inoculated zucchini was compensated for by a higher presence of the mummies of Aphidius colemani. In this present study, we recorded a higher zucchini biomass, thereby confirming that Trichoderma can act as a plant growth inducer.

Seasonal dynamics of cereal aphid population

Goal. To compare the seasonal dynamics of cereal aphid abundance in the Steppe and Forest-Steppe zones during 2023 and to determine the factors that influenced it. Methods. To assess the state of the cereal aphid population on cereal crops, we used the results of personally conducted entomological phytosanitary monitoring of crops (according to generally accepted methods) in the farms of the Steppe and Forest-Steppe zones; information from current reports from the places where field experiments were conducted directly by the forecasting laboratory, as well as other laboratories of the IPP of NAAS, which is also confirmed by the materials of decadal reports of regional plant protection stations and signalization and forecasting points of the State Inspection of Plant Protection, confirmed by information on the phytosanitary status of regional state research stations. Cereal aphid adults and larvae were counted in populations of populations (in the crop phase, the end of the tube emergence is earing). Results. The state of cereal aphid populations on crops of cereal spiked crops in 2023 was studied, both in general in Ukraine and separately in the Steppe and Forest-Steppe zones. The dynamics of their number in farms of different natural and climatic zones was investigated, and an analysis of its peculiarities in the conditions of the year was carried out. Conclusions. In 2023, the harmfulness of cereal aphids on cereal crops remained at the level of long-term averages. The expansion of their harmful zone and an increase in their number was noted during the earing period (milk ripeness). On winter cereal crops, phytophages prevailed in the Steppe zone. In the Forest-Steppe zone, the phytophage was more damaging to winter cereals than to spring cereals. The results of entomological monitoring in Mykolaiv region (State Enterprise «Experimental Farming «Zori nad Bugom») showed that during the accounting period the bulk of aphids were concentrated on winter wheat crops, and winter barley was damaged in small numbers. On the contrary, the surveys conducted in Kyiv region (State Enterprise «Experimental Farming «Salyvonkivske») showed that in the second half of June — the first decade of July, the number of aphids on spring barley crops was approximately twice as high as on spring wheat. As a result of the study, it was practically confirmed that the optimal temperature regime for the development of cereal aphids is 16—20°C, and the relative humidity is 60—80%.

Seasonal Abundance of Aphids on Apple Cultivars and Their Chemical Control

Seasonal Abundance of Aphids on Apple Cultivars and Their Chemical Control

Actuarial implications and modeling of virus yellows on sugar beet after the EU's ban on neonics and climate change

Following the EU's decision to ban neonics, this article investigates the impacts of virus yellows on sugar beet yields under the ban and under current and future climates. Using a model that factors in key variables such as sowing dates, phenological stages, first aphid flight and aphid abundance, simulations are performed using long-period climate datasets as inputs. Coupled with incidence and sugar yield loss assumptions, this model allows to reconstruct the impact of virus yellows on sugar beet yields using a so called ‘as if’ approach. By simulating the effects of viruses over a long period-of-time, as if neonics weren't used in the past, this methodology allows an accurate assessment of risks associated with virus yellows, as well as impact of future agro-ecological measures.The analysis provides in addition an actuarial rating for an insurance policy that compensates the losses triggered by those viruses.

Semi‐natural habitat, but not aphid amount or continuity, predicts lady beetle abundance across agricultural landscapes

Abstract The amount of semi‐natural habitat surrounding farm fields is a common but inconsistent predictor of natural enemy populations and predation services. Standard land cover metrics may not accurately capture the actual availability of limiting resources for natural enemies and can miss important dynamics across space and time. Theory from animal movement and landscape ecology predicts that regions with more, spatio‐temporally continuous resources (i.e. food and shelter) should have larger predator populations and enhanced biological control. To test these predictions empirically, we designed a study measuring aphids, lady beetles and predation services in agricultural landscapes in Wisconsin, USA. In two study years, we sampled lady beetles and aphids in 336 crop fields (corn, soybean, alfalfa and small grains) and adjacent semi‐natural habitat patches (grasslands and woodlands) across 24 1.5 km buffer landscapes at four to seven time points each, and in 1 year, we assessed predation rates with sentinel egg cards. We used aphid counts to model habitat‐specific aphid phenologies, from which we calculated landscape indices of prey amount and continuity. These indices, along with semi‐natural habitat area, were used to predict lady beetle abundance. While there were strong differences in the abundance and timing of aphids by habitat, semi‐natural habitat amount was still a better predictor of lady beetle counts and sentinel egg predation than either aphid amount or continuity indices in these landscapes. Synthesis and applications. Our findings confirm the robust relationship between lady beetles and semi‐natural habitat in agricultural landscapes, and highlight the complexities of measuring fine‐scale resource heterogeneity in real landscapes. Retaining or adding woodland and grassland patches in agricultural landscapes is likely to support larger lady beetle populations and enhance predation in crop fields. Our results suggest that these habitats may be more important for shelter than prey continuity, though this mechanism warrants further investigation. Future work should continue to refine experimental methods for the successful integration of landscape ecology and animal behaviour to support conservation goals.

Landscapes with higher crop diversity have lower aphid species richness but higher plant virus prevalence

Abstract Diversifying agricultural systems by growing more than one crop species in an area can decrease pest and disease pressure and increase crop yields. However, there is a lack of information on how crop diversity at larger spatial scales influences pest and disease pressure. Here, we investigated how landscape‐scale crop diversity affects aphid vector communities and prevalence of non‐persistently transmitted potato virus Y (PVY). To test the influence of landscape‐scale crop diversity on PVY prevalence and aphid communities, we conducted a field study during the 2020 and 2021 field seasons in the San Luis Valley, Colorado, where we quantified aphid communities and PVY incidence at multiple sites. We then determined the association between aphid species richness and abundance and PVY incidence with landscape variables (crop diversity metrics and percentage cover of crop species) within 1, 2 and 3 km buffers from study sites. Higher crop diversity (measured as Shannon Diversity Index) led to decreased aphid species richness at a 3 km buffer in the 2021 field season. We only detected a positive association between percentage of alfalfa crop cover and aphid species richness in 2020 and aphid abundance in 2021 within a 1 km buffer. Higher crop diversity led to increased PVY incidence at a 2 km buffer in 2021 and 3 km buffer in 2020 and 2021. At a 3 km buffer in 2021, we found a positive influence of crop species richness on PVY incidence and a negative influence of crop species evenness on PVY incidence. Also in 2021, we found a positive influence of percentage of potato (virus host) on PVY incidence and a negative influence of percentage of barley (virus non‐host) on PVY incidence. Synthesis and applications. In summary, we found that landscape‐scale crop diversity impacts plant virus prevalence at spatial scales of >1 km. This suggests that potato growers could reduce PVY prevalence by geographically isolating potato fields from other potato or other PVY hosts. Crop diversity had a negative influence on aphid vector communities, so growers could reduce risk of virus spread by aphid vectors by using certified potato seed in a diversified landscape.

Does This Look Infected? Hidden Host Plant Infection by the Pathogen Botrytis cinerea Alters Interactions between Plants, Aphids and Their Natural Enemies in the Field.

Few studies have considered whether hidden (asymptomatic) plant pathogen infection alters ecological interactions at the higher trophic levels, even though such infection still affects plant physiology. We explored this question in two field experiments, where two varieties of lettuce (Little Gem, Tom Thumb) infected with Botrytis cinerea were either (1) naturally colonised by aphids or (2) placed in the field with an established aphid colony. We then recorded plant traits and the numbers and species of aphids, their predators, parasitoids and hyperparasitoids. Infection significantly affected plant quality. In the first experiment, symptomatically infected plants had the fewest aphids and natural enemies of aphids. The diversity and abundance of aphids did not differ between asymptomatically infected and uninfected Little Gem plants, but infection affected the aphid assemblage for Tom Thumb plants. Aphids on asymptomatically infected plants were less attractive to predators and parasitoids than those on uninfected plants, while hyperparasitoids were not affected. In the second experiment, when we excluded natural enemies, aphid numbers were lower on asymptomatically and symptomatically infected plants, but when aphid natural enemies were present, this difference was removed, most likely because aphids on uninfected plants attracted more insect natural enemies. This suggests that hidden pathogen infection may have important consequences for multitrophic interactions.

Natural enemy communities of aphids in alfalfa fields assessed through video recordings of sentinel cards in scenarios of contrasting aphid abundance

Natural enemy communities of aphids in alfalfa fields assessed through video recordings of sentinel cards in scenarios of contrasting aphid abundance

Geographic distribution of terpenoid chemotypes in Tanacetum vulgare mediates tansy aphid occurrence but not abundance

Intraspecific variation of specialized metabolites in plants, such as terpenoids, are used to determine chemotypes. Tansy Tanacetum vulgare exhibits diverse terpenoid profiles that affect insect communities. However, it is not fully known whether patterns of their chemical composition and associated insects vary beyond the community scale. Here, we investigated the geographic distribution of mono‐ and sesquiterpenoid chemotypes in tansy leaves and their relationships with specific insect communities across Germany. We sampled tansy leaves from ten plants with and five plants without aphids in each of 26 sites along a north–south and west–east transect in Germany. Hexane‐extracted metabolites from leaf tissues were analyzed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Plant morphological traits, aphid occurrence and abundance, and occurrence of ants were recorded locally. The effect of plant chemotype, plant morphological parameters, and abiotic site parameters such as soil types, temperature and precipitation on insect occurrences were analyzed. Plants clustered into four monoterpenoid and four sesquiterpenoid chemotype classes. Monoterpene classes differed in their latitudinal distribution, whereas sesquiterpenes were more evenly distributed across the transect. Aphid and ant occurrence was influenced by monoterpenoids. Plants of monoterpenoid class 1 were colonized by aphids and ants significantly more often than expected by chance, whereas in other classes there were no significant differences. Aphid abundance was affected by soil type, and average annual temperature positively correlated with the occurrence of ants. We found significant geographic patterns in the distribution of tansy chemodiversity and show that monoterpenoids affect aphid and ant occurrence, while the soil type can influence aphid abundance. We show that geographic variation in plant chemistry influences insect community assembly on tansy plants.

Influence of ground cover and tunnels on production of Red Russian kale in urban gardes

Kale, Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala, is an important urban crop for human health and may potentially be grown year-round even in a temperate climate. We investigated black plastic and straw mulch compared to bare soil cover in low tunnels at 10 urban garden sites and in low tunnels within a high tunnel in the USA to ascertain the influence on yield and nutrients of Red Russian kale, soil temperature, air temperature, weed pressure, and aphid abundance. Kale had low yield in garden sites, likely because the outside environment was too cold for low tunnels to gain and retain heat. Cultivating kale in a high tunnel resulted in good yields, especially when paired with a low tunnel and plastic or straw mulch, which resulted in the highest air and soil temperatures. The amount of minerals in plants within the high tunnel largely did not vary across combinations of low tunnels and ground covers, except for copper and sulfur, which were lowest in plots with no low tunnel or ground cover. Also, dietary fiber was higher when no low tunnel or ground cover was used compared to plots with a low tunnel and no ground cover. Weeds were suppressed by straw and black plastic mulch, but none of the ground covers influenced aphid abundance. Overall, our work demonstrates that Red Russian kale can be grown in a temperate climate during winter with some combinations of tunnels and ground covers.

Temporal variation in aphid abundance throughout cucumber plant growth stages

This study aims to analyze the abundance of aphids (Aphis gossypii) on cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L.) during both the vegetative and generative growth phases in the agricultural land of the Jambi farming community. The research employs a descriptive exploratory approach. Data were collected using a total sampling technique, involving the counting of all aphids found on sampled cucumber plants. Measurements of air humidity, temperature, and light intensity were conducted during the observation period. The results revealed that during the vegetative phase, the highest abundance of aphids occurred in the third week after planting (696 individuals), with an average abundance of 174. Conversely, the lowest abundance was observed in the first week after planting (42 individuals), averaging 10.5. In the generative phase, the highest abundance of aphids was recorded in the fifth week after planting (798 individuals), with an average abundance of 133; whereas the lowest abundance was noted in the tenth week after planting (36 individuals), averaging 6.

Dynamic intraguild interactions between two sympatric and congeneric coccinellid species associated with aphids could explain their coexistence in citrus agroecosystems

Scymnus interruptus and Scymnus subvillosus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) are the most frequent aphid predators in Western Mediterranean citrus agroecosystems. Intraguild predation (IGP) between them would be expected, but how IGP might affect their coexistence and biological control function remains unknown. In this work, we assess the frequency of predator encounters in the field and investigate intraguild predation between these two predators in laboratory settings. Different field prey scenarios derived from the field observations were simulated with the two dominant aphid species in this agroecosystem, Aphis gossypii and Aphis spiraecola.Scymnus subvillosus and S. interruptus engaged in IGP but the magnitude and symmetry varied with the prey species and abundance. At high aphid densities, IGP was symmetric and weak, whereas, at low aphid densities, IGP was strong and very asymmetric, with S. interruptus taking the role of the intraguild predator. The developmental time of S. subvillosus was reduced when competing with S. interruptus at high extraguild prey densities. The adult size of both predators under weak IGP also increased even when the developmental time had been reduced.We predict that high aphid infestations in the spring would benefit S. subvillosus, while the strong and asymmetric IGP at low aphid infestations would hinder its coexistence with S. interruptus. Our results give a theoretical explanation to what is observed in the field: S. subvillosus is typically dominant during the high aphid infestations of the spring, whereas S. interruptus increases in relative dominance during the summer and fall when aphid abundance is much less.

Phenology, population trends and natural enemy complex of Illinoia liriodendri in Spain

Illinoia liriodendri (Monell) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is an Eastern North American native aphid species that infests ornamental tulip trees, Liriodendron tulipifera L. (Magnoliales: Magnoliaceae), in many localities of Spain and southern Europe. This is a comprehensive three-year study on the biology and ecology of the aphid, where its life cycle, phenology, population dynamic trends, comfort damages, natural enemy complex and its potential to control aphid populations have been investigated for the first time in Europe. The monoecic-holocyclic annual cycle of I. liriodendri has been demonstrated. The highest infestation levels were recorded in May and June, but infestation severity varied among localities. No clear trend regarding the effect of planting site (pit vs. ground) on aphid abundance was observed. A strong positive relationship between the aphid infestation severity and the honeydew dripping was recorded. There was a wide complex of natural enemies associated with the aphid. Coccinellidae were the most abundant predators (< 95%) and showed a positive numerical response to the aphid infestation. Several parasitoid species (mainly Hymenoptera: Aphidiinae and Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) were found parasitizing I. liriodendri in Spain. The role of natural enemies as agents for controlling the aphid populations is discussed.

Foliar- and Seed-Applied Insecticides for Management of Melanaphis sorghi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Alabama

Abstract Following the emergence of Melanaphis sorghi (Theobald) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) as a new pest of sorghum in the United States, research was conducted to identify tools and techniques successful at reducing populations and preventing economic losses in grain sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of seed- and foliar-applied insecticide treatments for management of M. sorghi. Small plot experiments were replicated at two locations to evaluate residual activity of neonicotinoid seed treatments and foliar insecticides. Natural enemy presence was recorded in each of these trials to determine which predator and parasitoid species were using M. sorghi as prey. All seed treatments suppressed M. sorghi populations below a treatment threshold of 75 aphids per plant for 30% of plants for &amp;gt;6 weeks after planting. Foliar insecticides including flupyradifurone, sulfoxaflor, and thiamethoxam provided 3–4 weeks of population suppression, irrespective of M. sorghi pressure. Fifteen natural enemy species were identified in this study, and community structure varied temporally and geographically. In general, natural enemy species richness was correlated with aphid abundance. We identified the most efficacious insecticides available for management of M. sorghi and determined that they should be compatible with biological control and integrated pest management programs.

Microbe‐induced plant resistance alters aphid inter‐genotypic competition leading to rapid evolution with consequences for plant growth and aphid abundance

Plants and insect herbivores are two of the most diverse multicellular groups in the world, and both are strongly influenced by interactions with the belowground soil microbiome. Effects of reciprocal rapid evolution on ecological interactions between herbivores and plants have been repeatedly demonstrated, but it is unknown if (and how) the soil microbiome could mediate these eco‐evolutionary processes on a shared host plant. We tested the role of a plant‐beneficial soil bacterium Acidovorax radicis in altering eco‐evolutionary interactions between different aphid genotypes (Sitobion avenae, genotypes Sickte and Fescue) feeding on barley Hordeum vulgare. We measured fecundity, longevity and population growth of two aphid genotypes reared separately or together (population mixture) on three different barley varieties that were inoculated with or without A. radicis. Results showed that across all plant varieties A. radicis increased plant growth and suppressed aphid populations via reduced longevity and fecundity. The strength of effect was dependent on aphid genotype and barley variety, while the direction of effect was altered by aphid population mixture. Using Lotka–Volterra modelling, we demonstrated that while A. radicis inoculation decreased growth rates for both aphid genotypes it increased the competitiveness of one genotype against the other. In general, in the presence of A. radicis, the Fescue aphid genotype became more inhibitory of Sickte aphids, while Sickte aphids facilitated the growth of Fescue aphids. Our work demonstrates that plant rhizosphere microbiomes exert community‐level influences by mediating eco‐evolutionary interactions between herbivores and host plants. By altering competitive interaction outcomes among aphids and thus impacting processes such as rapid evolution, soil microbes contribute to the short‐ and long‐term structure and functioning of terrestrial habitats.