Aphid Aphis Pomi Research Articles

Biological efficacy of selected insecticides for the control of the green apple aphid Aphis pomi (de Geer, 1773) on apple in Bulgaria

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological efficacy of chemical insecticides, from different chemical classes, recommended for the control of the apple aphid Aphis pomi in apple orchards in Bulgaria. The experiment was carried out in 2023 in the experimental field of Agricultural University-Plovdiv. The insecticides tested were spirotetramat (Movento 100 SC), flonikamid (Teppeki) and acetamiprid (Mospilan 20 SG). The insecticides were applied at the concentrations recommended for the control of this and other pests. All the tested chemical insecticides showed very high biological efficacy, therefore they can be recommended as suitable for efficient control of Aphis pomi on apple. Keywords: Chemical insecticides, Movento, Teppeki, Mospilan, Aphis pomi, Аpple, Bulgaria

Studies on the biology and feeding capacity of Coelophora saucia (Mulsant), a significant predator of Aphis pomi De Geer, on apple hosts in Himachal Pradesh, India

The present investigation was carried out in Himachal Pradesh, India. Nine different species of ladybird beetles were found feeding on the green apple aphid Aphis pomi De Geer in an apple orchard and apple nursery plants in Himachal Pradesh. These species belong to the order Coleoptera and family Coccinellidae. Coelophora saucia (Mulsant) is a formidable predator of Aphis pomi De Geer in Himachal Pradesh, India. This study investigated the life cycle of Coelophora saucia (a mussel). Both the larval and adult stages of this predator vigorously consumed green apple aphids. Therefore, studying the biology and feeding capacity of Coelophora saucia (a mussel) on green apple aphids from the perspective of biological control in apple-growing regions of Himachal Pradesh is useful.

Aphid-Ant Relationships: The Role of Cuticular Hydrocarbons and Different Chemical Stimuli in Triggering Mutualistic Behavior

In ant-aphid interactions, various aphid species offer honeydew to the ant partner and increase their density by ant attendance, whilst others never attend ant species, in which case ants tend to treat them as prey. In this regard, ants should have the ability to distinguish myrmecophile aphid species from non-mutualistic species, so that mutualistic aphids will be accepted as partners rather than prey. Although ant-aphid interactions are now the focus of chemical ecology studies, the role of the different chemical stimuli in determining mutualistic interactions has not been completely clarified. Therefore, we have investigated the cuticular hydrocarbon profile of four myrmecophiles aphid species using GC-MS. We also investigated the behavior of the worker-ants (Lasius niger L., Hymenoptera: Formicidae) to different chemical stimuli derived from aphids. We applied four treatments and found that the behavior of the ant workers varied depending on the source of the different treatments. In particular, the real aphid Aphis pomi and the sugar solution proved to be the most attractive to the ants, while the presence of pure extract of the individuals is enough to disturb the behavior of the ants. We provide evidence that the key stimuli of the tending behavior could be the CHC patterns of the aphids and the CHC profile of the aphids tends to be genus specific. This research will promote further investigations to test the behavior of ant workers towards other species of aphids and treatment combinations.

Evaluation of the aphicidal activity of Salvia microphylla (Lamiaceae) aqueous extracts against Aphis pomi (Aphididae)

Abstract The aphid Aphis pomi represents an important pest of apples. The use of botanical extracts may be a safe and effective way to control this pest. In this context, we studied the aphicidal and repellent effects of aqueous extracts of Salvia microphylla against A. pomi. Five concentrations were tested on two main aphid parameters: mortality rate and percentage of repellency. The results showed that concentrations of 10% recorded the highest mortality rate (73.33%) and percentage of repellency (62.59%). After further field investigations, the use of S. microphylla may constitute a component of the integrated management of aphids.

New species of the aphid parasitoids of the genus Binodoxys Mackauer (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) from the fauna of Russia

The descriptions of two new species from the genus Binodoxys Mackauer characterised by short prongs on the posterior margin of the last metasomal sternite are provided from the north-western territory of the European part and Eastern Siberia of Russia. Binodoxys crataegi sp. nov. was reared from the aphid Aphis pomi De Geer, 1773 on Crataegus sp. in the St. Petersburg region, but B. ekaterinaе sp. nov. was collected by net in Irkutsk Province, near Baikal Lake, and the host is unknown.

ОЦЕНКА ФИТОСАНИТАРНОЙ ЗНАЧИМОСТИ ОСНОВНЫХ ФИТОФАГОВ И ПРОБЛЕМЫ ЗАЩИТЫ НАСАЖДЕНИЙ ГРУШИ В ЦЕНТРАЛЬНОМ РАЙОНЕ НЕЧЕРНОЗЕМНОЙ ЗОНЫ РОССИИ

The studies were carried out at Federal Horticultural Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery (ARHCBAN) in 2011-2021 in order to study and assess the characteristics of the harmfulness of economically significant pests of pears. Route surveys of pear plantations were carried out in Bryansk, Kaluga and Moscow regions. In the spring period (before flowering), the counts of individual phytophages and plant organs damaged by them were carried out 2 times a week, after flowering (until the end of the growing season) – 1-2 times a week. Along with visual observation, analysis of selected samples under a microscope (MBS-10 and Stemi 2000-C), pheromone traps were used to track the dynamics of the summer of the codling moth Cydia pyrivora (Danil.), sticky and corrugated trapping belts, as well as the shaking method to count the weevil -flower beetle Anthonomus pomorum (L.). The most dangerous, economically and phytosanitaryly significant pests of the pear were the common Psylla pyri (L.) and the large Psylla pyrisuga (Frst.) pear sucker (prevalence up to 100%, yield loss up to 50%), gall mite Eriophyes pyri (Pgst.) (damage up to 50...70% of leaves, with premature drying and falling off of about 20...25% of them), tetranychod mites Tetranychoidae (decrease in leaf area by 30...50% compared to undamaged leaves, with drying and falling off of heavily damaged leaves), aphid Aphis pomi (Deg.) (prevalence up to 70...80%, the number of populated shoots up to 15...25%). Pear damage by the flower weevil Anthonomus pomorum (L.) is increasing (up to 8...10% of inflorescences) compared to the beginning of the 2010s, as well as the number of invasive pests that are not yet of economic importance - pear codling moth Cydia pyrivora (Danil.) and pear weevil Anthonomus pyri (Koll.). Timely and competent application, with the obligatory alternation of preparations with different mechanisms of action, can provide effective protection of plants from the sucker and other dangerous pests and increase the yield by 1.5 ... 2 times.

Species-Specific Induction of Plant Volatiles by Two Aphid Species in Apple: Real Time Measurement of Plant Emission and Attraction of Lacewings in the Wind Tunnel

Upon damage by herbivores, plants release herbivory-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs). To find their prey, the pest’s natural enemies need to be fine-tuned to the composition of these volatiles. Whereas standard methods can be used in the identification and quantitation of HIPVs, more recently introduced techniques such as PTR-ToF–MS provide temporal patterns of the volatile release and detect additional compounds. In this study, we compared the volatile profile of apple trees infested with two aphid species, the green apple aphid Aphis pomi, and the rosy apple aphid Dysaphis plantaginea, by CLSA-GC–MS complemented by PTR-ToF–MS. Compounds commonly released in conjunction with both species include nonanal, decanal, methyl salicylate, geranyl acetone, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, (Z)-3-hexenyl butanoate, (Z)-3-hexenyl 2-methyl-butanoate, (E)-β-caryophyllene, β-bourbonene and (Z)-3-hexenyl benzoate. In addition, benzaldehyde and (E)-β-farnesene were exclusively associated with A. pomi, whereas linalool, (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene were exclusively associated with D. plantaginea. PTR-ToF–MS additionally detected acetic acid (AA) and 2-phenylethanol (PET) in the blends of both trees attacked by aphid species. In the wind tunnel, the aphid predator, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens), responded strongly to a blend of AA and PET, much stronger than to AA or PET alone. The addition of common and species-specific HIPVs did not increase the response to the binary blend of AA and PET. In our setup, two host-associated volatiles AA + PET appeared sufficient in the attraction of C. carnea. Our results also show the importance of combining complementary methods to decipher the odor profile associated with plants under pest attack and identify behaviourally active components for predators.

Seasonal Incidence of Major Insect Pests of Apple in Mid Hills of Meghalaya

Seasonal incidence of major insect pests of apple in mid hills of Meghalaya was evaluated during 2018 at the Experimental farm of CPGSAS, Umiam, Meghalaya. A total of 43 insect species were observed. The major ones include- green apple aphid Aphis pomi De Geer, pale tussock moth Calliteara pudibunda L., tussock moth Euproctis guttata Collenette, giant looper Ascotis selenaria Denis and Schiffermuller and cocoa tussock moth Orgyia postica Walker. Also, 21 species were observed as minor pests, ten species as natural enemies, two species as pollinators and five species as occasional visitors. Results revealed that the aphid incidence is at its peak (34.75 aphids/ 10cm apical length of twig/shoot/ plant) on the 25th SMW (standard meteorological week) (3rd week of June 2018). Such a peak of pale tussock moth larval incidence (3.82 larva/ plant) was during 28th SMW (2nd week of July). Likewise, the tussock moth larval incidence (4.15 larvae/ plant) was its peak on the 35th SMW (last week of August). The giant looper was at its peak (3.46 larvae/ plant) in the 28th SMW (2nd week of July). The cocoa tussock moth incidence was at the maximum of 4.75 larvae/ plant on the 26th SMW (27th June). Correlation coefficients (r) indicated significant correlation between the incidence of green apple aphid with maximum temperature; and larval incidence of tussock moth and cocoa tussock moth exhibiting a significant correlation with minimum temperature. Regression analysis done herein will provide the impact of independent variables on the dependent variables.

Enzymatic Defense Response of Apple Aphid Aphis pomi to Increased Temperature.

Climate change, and in particular the increase in temperature we are currently observing, can affect herbivorous insects. Aphids, as poikilothermic organisms, are directly exposed to temperature increases that influence their metabolism. Heat stress causes disturbances between the generations and the neutralization of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of this work is focused on explaining how the aphid, using the example of Aphis pomi, responds to abiotic stress caused by temperature increase. The experiment was carried out under controlled conditions at three temperatures: 20, 25, and 28 °C. In the first stage, changes in the activity of enzymatic markers (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), β-glucosidase, polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and peroxidase (POD)) were determined in aphid tissues, at each temperature. In the second stage, microcalorimetry monitored changes in heat emitted by aphids, at each temperature. Our results showed that A. pomi defense responses varied depending on temperature and were highest at 28 °C. The flexible activity of enzymes and increase in the metabolic rate played the role of adaptive mechanisms and ran more effectively at higher temperatures. The A. pomi thus protected itself against ROS excessive induction and the aphids were able to respond quickly to environmental stress.

Biology of Betasyrphus serarius (wiedemann)-a syrphid predator of green apple aphid

Betasyrphus serarius (Wiedemann) is a major predator of green apple aphid Aphis pomi De Geer, an important pest of apple. The present study illustrates the life history and feeding potential of larvae of B. serarius reared on A. pomi under laboratory conditions and compares the variation of the same in autumn and spring seasons.

Biology and feeding potential of Metasyrphus confrater (Wiedemann)-A syrphid predator of green apple aphid

Field observations were made on the predators of green apple aphid Aphis pomi De Geer in apple nursery fields at Mashobra, Shimla district and Ner Chowk, Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. These revealed three species of Syrphidae (Diptera) viz., Betasyrphus serarius (Wiedemann), Episyrphus balteatus De Geer, and Metasyrphus confrater (Wiedemann). The life history and feeding potential of the larvae of the latter were studied under laboratory conditions.

Developmental rates of the aphid Aphis pomi (Aphidoidea: Aphididae) and its parasitoid Aphidius ervi (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae)

Developmental rates of the aphid Aphis pomi and its parasitoid Aphidius ervi were compared at four constant temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30°C). Aphis pomi required 159.07 degree-days (DD) above lover developmental threshold (LDT) of 0.3°C. Aphidius ervi required 229.73 DD above LDT of 5.98°C. Developmental rate of A. pomi is higher than the developmental rate of A. ervi at the same conditions

The Chemical Control of the Apple Green Aphid (Aphis pomi de Geer.) in the Fruit Growing Area Banu Maracine

The apple green aphid Aphis pomi de Geer. produce high losses in the nursery, as well as in the commercial apple orchards, where the attack on the leaves made them curled, stopping the fruit and shots from developing, as well as the buds differentiation for the next year. The insect sucks sap from the leaves on water sprouts and succulent terminal growth. (I. Mitrea 2005). An efficient control can be done when the treatments are applied before the leaves’ curling. From the 7 insecticides used for controling the apple green aphid (Aphis pomi de Geer.) during 2007 – 2008 at the S.D. Banu Maracine the highest effciency has been recorded for the product Chess 25 WP. Also we can notify that the pyretroids products has ensured a better protection against the apple green aphid comparative with the organophosphorical or carbamates products. All the products used for controling the apple green aphid has presented an efficiency over 92%.

Functional Response of Four Predaceous Coccinellids, Adalia tetraspilota (Hope), Coccinella septempunctata L., Calvia punctata (Mulsant) and Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) Feeding on the Green Apple Aphid, Aphis pomi De Geer (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Functional responses of four coccinellids, viz. , Adalia tetraspilota (Hope), Coccinella septempunctata L., Calvia punctata (Mulsant) and Hippodamia variegata (Goeze), were evaluated under laboratory conditions to find out how these predators responded to density of the prey species, green apple aphid Aphis pomi De Geer. All the coccinellid species exhibited a convex (Type II) functional response determined by a non-linear model. The non-linear reciprocal transformation of Hollings. disc equation was used to estimate the parameter values of the model. The large predator, C. septempunctata was seen to eat more aphids due to its greater voracity as compared to the smaller species C. punctata, H. variegata and A. tetraspilota. C. septempunctata had higher search rate than C. punctata, H. variegata and A. tetraspilota , whereas the handling time showed the opposite trend as the search rate. The results suggest C. septempunctata is the best predator for the biocontrol of Aphis pomi . Further field-based studies are required to confirm this hypothesis.

X-linked heterochromatin distribution in the holocentric chromosomes of the green apple aphid Aphis pomi

Chromatin organization in the holocentric chromosomes of the green apple aphid Aphis pomi has been investigated at a cytological level after C-banding, NOR, Giemsa, fluorochrome staining and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). C-banding technique showed that heterochromatic bands are exclusively located on X chromosomes. This data represents a peculiar feature that clearly contradicts the equilocal distribution of heterochromatin typical of monocentric chromosomes. Moreover, silver staining and FISH carried out with a 28S rDNA probe localized rDNA genes on one telomere of each X chromosome; CMA3 staining reveals that these silver positive telomeres are the only GC-rich regions among A. pomi heterochromatin, whereas all other C-positive bands are DAPI positive thus containing AT-rich DNA.

EFFECT OF FOOD SOURCES ON THE LONGEVITY AND FECUNDITY OF PHOLETESOR ORNIGIS (WEED) (HYMENOPTERA: BRACONIDAE)

AbstractThe fecundity of first-generation adult Pholetesor ornigis (Weed) increased when individuals were confined with flowers of creeping "Charlie" (Glechoma hederacea L.), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber), and apple (Malus domesticus L.), but not with blossoms of chickweed [Stellaria media (L.) Cyrillo] or Shepherd’s purse [Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic]. Longevity of P. ornigis was little affected. The fecundity of second-generation P. ornigis increased when individuals were confined with terminal leaves of apple with honeydew of the aphid Aphis pomi DeGeer, but not when confined with terminal leaves without honeydew or with flowers of round-leaved mallow (Malva neglecta Wallr.) or red clover (Trifolium pratense L.). Longevity of P. ornigis adults also increased when they were provided with aphid honeydew. There were significant differences between the total number (oviposited and ovarian) of eggs produced by second-generation females given different food sources. Those given aphid honeydew oviposited a greater proportion of their eggs than those confined with apple leaves without honeydew or with flowers of M. neglecta or T. pratense, Adult P. ornigis fed an aqueous solution of honey (50:50, v/v) lived longest and produced more eggs than those provided with any other food source.

Increased population of the aphid Aphis pomi at a motorway: Part 3—the effect of exhaust gases

The effect of motorway air pollution on the infestation of Crataegus spp. by Aphis pomi was examined using chambers with ambient and filtered air. In the chamber with ambient air the aphid population increased to up to 4·4 times the aphid number in the chamber with filtered air. Analysis of a phloem exudate revealed a significant increase in glutamine relative to the sugar content in the plants grown in the polluted air. Some substantial changes in phenolic compounds were also recorded. The results indicate that air pollution around motorways can alter the host plant-parasite relationship to increase the susceptibility of the plant.

Increased population of the aphid Aphis pomi at a motorway. Part 2—The effect of drought and deicing salt

Potted hawthorn plants Crataegus spp. were treated in winter with an NaCl spray to simulate the influence of deicing salt spray at motorways. This treatment significantly increased their susceptibility to the green apple aphid Aphis pomi. Analysis of the phloem exudate revealed that asparagine and glutamine were increased by over 400%, aspartic acid by over 100% and many other amino acids to a lesser extent. The sugar content in the phloem exudate was also raised. It is thought that these biochemical differences contributed considerably to the better development of the aphids, although a direct sodium effect or other factors cannot be excluded. A moderate drought stress also increased the aphid population. It is suggested that deicing salt and, to a lesser extent, drought, play an important rôle in the increased aphid population at the motorway.

Increased population of the aphid Aphis pomi at a motorway: Part 1—field evaluation

At a motorway near Basle, a high infestation of hawthorn Crataegus spp. with the green apple aphid Aphis pomi can be observed every year, whereas plants some distance away are much less infested. In the present paper, the population development of the aphids was examined at different sites with respect to the motorway. The results suggest that a reduced efficiency of natural enemies at the motorway might be an important factor contributing to the increased infestation, but other factors such as changes in host plant biochemistry must also play a rôle.

Investigations with New Insecticides for Codling Moth Control

Orchard trials with new insecticides for control of codling moth (Carpocapsa pomonella (L.)) on pears were conducted in two orchards in northern California during 1956. Diazinon alone, a combination of Diazinon and DDT, Thimet, Dipterex and a spore preparation of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner failed to give satisfactory control. Trithion gave variable results, showing promise in one trial, but providing poor control in another. Hercules AC-528 showed some promise, and ryania, Sevin (N-methyl-l-naphthyl carbamate) and Guthion gave codling moth control comparable to the standard dosage of DDT. During 1957, orchard trials were continued on pears, and Sevin and Guthion gave good codling moth control. Guthion also controlled the European red mite (Panonychus ulmi (Koch)), and both Guthion and Sevin reduced a lepidopterous leaf miner infestation to a low level. Ryania, at a low dosage, plus a spreader-sticker, failed to provide adequate reduction of fruit injury by the cooling moth. In a New town Pippin apple orchard, a heavy codling moth infestation was found following grower application of a full DDT program. Field trials during 1957 in this orchard with DDT strongly indicated a resistance to this compound. In the same orchard, Trithion, ryania, Sevin and ethion provided satisfactory control of a heavy infestation. Trithion and ethion also provided control of European red mite, and Sevin prevented a build-up of the apple aphid Aphis pomi DeG. No serious phytotoxic effects were noted on pears or apples following the use of the experimental insecticides.