Aphid Density Research Articles

Phenology of the black bean aphid, Aphis fabae, on organic crops and effect of parasitoid communities

The data that support the findings of this study is available in the Mendeley Data repository: https://DOI: 10.17632/wnvt4grz9d.1.

Apparent niche differences between native and exotic lady beetles

Generalist predators can enhance biological control by filling unique niches and complementing other natural enemies, or disrupt it by preying upon other predators and parasitoids, complicating their net value for biological control. We searched for evidence of complementarity and/or interference between native (primarily Eriopis chilensis and E. eschscholtzi) and exotic (primarily Hippodamia variegata and Harmonia axyridis) lady beetles attacking aphids in alfalfa (Medicago sativa) fields near Santiago, Chile. Across 60 fields and three growing seasons, exotic lady beetle adults and larvae reached peak abundance relatively earlier in the growing season than the natives. Furthermore, exotic lady beetle peaks aligned more closely with aphid peak abundance than did native lady beetle peaks. Abundances of native lady beetle adults and larvae were weakly positively correlated with those of exotics, and peak aphid densities were generally lowest in fields where native and non-native lady beetle adults were similarly abundant. Therefore, we did not see evidence of strong interference between exotics and natives. Natural-agricultural habitat edges reduced native, but not exotic, larval lady beetle lag behind aphid peaks and was associated with greater lady beetle and lower aphid densities. Moreover, farms embedded in landscapes with greater natural habitat cover supported more exotic, but not native, lady beetles, and increased the lag between larval lady beetles and aphids for natives but not exotics. These findings support the idea that farms embedded within mosaics of natural and agricultural habitats may provide greater interaction potential between native lady beetles and aphid pests on farms as they move across the landscape, leading to greater top-down control. In contrast, exotic lady beetle lags were unaffected by landscape composition or configuration, but their greater densities in farms surrounded by more natural habitats might reflect a 'concentration effect' whereby exotic lady beetle abundance becomes concentrated in the agricultural habitats that they prefer. Our findings suggest that some lady beetles introduced for biocontrol may be better adapted to intensively managed habitats than natives, possibly leading to spatiotemporal complementarity between native and exotic lady beetles.

A binomial sampling method for estimating the density of blueberry aphid, Ericaphis fimbriata (Hemiptera: Aphididae), in commercial highbush blueberry

Abstract An accurate and efficient sampling method is an important tool for insect pest management because it allows for consistent measurements across many samples. There are currently no proposed standardised sampling plans or spray thresholds for the aphid Ericaphis fimbriata Richards (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum Linnaeus) in British Columbia, Canada, despite it being the primary vector for blueberry scorch virus (BlScV). A standard sampling plan for this pest would allow for rapid and consistent measurements of aphid abundance in commercial fields and would allow for more detailed study of the relationship between aphid abundance, damage, and the spread of BlScV. Binomial sampling plans use the presence:absence of a pest within a sample unit to estimate the proportion of infested sample units. Pest density (proportion of measured samples with individuals present) is linked to abundance (number of individuals), and the relationship between these two measures can be modelled mathematically. In the present study, we collected data on aphid density and aphid abundance in six varieties of highbush blueberry grown in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia. These data were used to construct a distribution-free binomial model that, when given a measure of aphid density, can predict aphid abundance within a given sample.

THE TROPHIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARASITIC ENTOMOPHAGES (HYMENOPTERA: APHIDIIDAE) AND SPECIES OF APHIDS (HOMOPTERA: APHIDIDAE) TO THE WHEAT CROP

It was demonstrated that the aphid species Schzarium graminium and Sitobion avenae reached the highest degree of population density in the wheat crop in the first decade of June (18,0 and 16.6% respectively). It was found that aphids and entomophages reached the highest degree of development when the gray crop entered the phenological phase of buttoning. Thus, the population density of aphids was 23,0 % and that of entomophages – 16,0%. 6 species of natural entomophages were highlighted (Aphidina evri Haliday, 1834; Ephedrus sp.; Lysiphlebus sp.; Diaeretiella rapae M. Intosh, 1855; Praon volucre Haliday, 1833; Ephedrus persicae Froggatt, 1904), which can control the population density of of the 3 most widespread species of aphids (Schzarium graminium L.; Sitobion avenae F.; Myzodes persicae Sulz.) in the wheat crop.

Aphids and Citrus responses to excessive nitrogen fertilization

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of an excessive nitrogen mineral fertilizer on the vegetative growth of Citrus as well as on the densities and population dynamics of the main aphid species Aphis spiraecola Patch (Hemiptera, Aphididae). Two trials were conducted on clementine trees, Citrus clementine Hort. ex Tan. in 2016 and 2017. The quantities of nitrogen delivered varied from no nitrogen (control) to the triple recommended dose of nitrogen (3ARD) in a complete randomized block design. Results showed that all vegetative growth parameters evaluated for the clementine trees responded positively to the amount of nitrogen supplied. The highest values were obtained with the highest N doses in both years. A positive response also was observed for aphids for all doses of N even the lowest, with densities increasing proportionally to N inputs. The highest dose (3ARD) increased aphid populations by 3 times compared to the control. The aphid dynamics differed between the two years, probably under the influence of other factors such as rainfall. Thus, too much nitrogen should be avoided in Citrus orchards. Aphid management cannot be separated from the management of fertilization, as this agronomic practice would maintain aphid densities at acceptable levels without the need for repeated insecticide applications.

Associational susceptibility of crop plants caused by the invasive weed Canadian goldenrod, Solidago canadensis, via local aphid species

In the present study, field surveys were conducted to detect potential associational susceptibility of crop plants (potato, alfalfa and maize) caused by Canadian goldenrod, Solidago canadensis (L.), one of the most common invasive weeds in Central and Eastern Europe, via plant associated virus vectoring aphids. Assessments were made in two major agricultural land types: crops grown under high input vs. low-input (LIF) conditions, with and without fertilizers and pesticides. The two most frequent aphid species, found both on Canadian goldenrod and crop plants, were the leaf-curling plum aphid, Brachycaudus helichrysi Kaltenbach and the glasshouse-potato aphid, Aulacorthum solani (Kaltenbach). Plant viruses in both weed and crop plants were identified using high-throughput sequencing of small RNAs. Peroxidase (POD) enzyme activity was tested in weed and crop plants to connect aphids feeding processes in weeds and crops. In addition, conceptual modeling was used to detect direct relationships between viruses and other crops. The Canadian goldenrod density was only relevant in the LIF regime. Furthermore, its association with B. helichrysi and associational susceptibility was detected only in LIF. In total, 18 viruses comprising 17 plant and one insect virus were detected in Canadian goldenrod, of which 11 were also detected in potato and alfalfa crops. POD activity was high and correlated with high aphid density in both weed and crop plants, suggesting a direct associational susceptibility between these plants through aphid infestation and viral transmission.

Can rare arable plants benefit biological pest control potential of cereal aphids in croplands?

In agricultural landscapes, arable plants are negatively affected by management intensification. These species can fulfill various ecosystem functions, such as biological pest control, by supporting predators. The ecosystem functions of common plant species are widely known. By contrast, the contribution of rare arable plants (RAPs) to biocontrol in cereal fields remains poorly understood. This study investigated the effect of RAPs on biocontrol potential. We compared cropped plots with and without sowing of rare and threatened arable plant species and investigated the effects on cereal aphids and their antagonistic predators, active hunting, and web-building spiders, as well as carnivorous/omnivorous carabids. We counted the total number of aphids on cereal shoots and trapped ground-dwelling arthropods on an experimental field and on 10 agricultural farms in the vicinity of Munich, Germany, in 2018 and 2019. The effects of the presence of RAPs were analyzed using linear mixed-effect models, whereas cover of RAPs was analyzed using structural equation models. Linear models revealed that the presence of RAPs did not significantly affect the aphid density and the activity densities of spiders and carabids. Structural equation models revealed direct negative effects of RAP cover on aphid density. However, no indirect effects via the predators of aphids were detected. Direct negative effects of active hunting spiders on aphids were determined, but not of the other potential predators. Our results suggest that RAPs may impact aphid infestation, however, the activity density of spiders and carabids were unsuitable indicators for such interactions.

Direct and indirect effects of banker plants on population establishment of Harmonia axyridis and aphid control on pepper crop.

Banker plant systems increase biological pest control by supporting populations of natural enemies, i.e., using non-pest arthropod species as alternative prey. However, the presence of alternative prey does not always result in improved control of the target pest species owing to the complexity of biotic interactions. To increase the effectiveness of banker plants in IPM programs, a fine understanding of the indirect interactions between target aphid and alternative prey mediated by biocontrol agents is necessary. In this study, we first established a banker plant system, banker plant (Vicia faba)-alternative prey (Megoura japonica)-predator (Harmonia axyridis), to control the target pest (Myzus persicae) on pepper. We found that M. japonica strongly preferred faba bean as a host plant and posed no risk to Solanaceous crops. Harmonia axyridis adults had no significant predation preference for the alternative prey. In the short term, the interaction direction of the two aphid species depended on the relative initial density and the timescale. Harmonia axyridis showed a stronger negative effect on M. persicae than that on M. japonica. In the long term, the presence of alternative prey, M. japonica, enhanced the control effect of H. axyridis to M. persicae with initial density of 100-500 aphids per plant. The presence of the alternative prey could proliferate the population of H. axyridis, with from 0.2- to 2.1-fold increase of H. axyridis eggs. Overall, we put forward a strategy for setting the initial density of alternative prey of the banker plant system to target the high and low density of aphids, which highlighted the importance of indirect interactions in designing a proper banker plant system.

Population density of aphids in chrysanthemums grown under photoselective screens

The chrysanthemum is one of the main ornamental species in the world. It has great relevance in the market. Aphids are the main pests that affect the chrysanthemum crop and cause various types of damage to this plant. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different cropping systems using photoselective screens on the population density of aphids in cut chrysanthemum. The study was carried out in an experimental area of the Federal Institute of Espírito Santo – Campus Itapina (Brazil) in a randomized complete block design, according to the split-plot scheme over time. The experiment was established in 3 blocks of 12 m in length with plots of 3 m containing different photoselective screens (red, silver, and black) and the control treatment (open field). Repeated evaluations at different times were done at 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 d. Data were checked for normality and homoscedasticity and submitted to the Tukey’s test (P<0.05) and a non-parametric method of smoothing a dispersion graph with local weight (LOESS regression). Regardless of the color of the photoselective screen, there was a lower incidence of aphids compared to the open field treatment in the chrysanthemum culture with an average reduction of 84%. For the different sampling times, the Tukey test did not show significant differences between the means of aphid incidence in the evaluated period. Black, red, and silver photoselective screens promoted significant reductions in aphid populations in chrysanthemums of the variety Zembla in the environmental conditions of southeastern Brazil.

Impact of Planting Date and Insecticide Application Methods on Melanaphis sorghi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Infestation and Forage Type Sorghum Yield.

Studies on the management of the invasive Melanaphis sorghi are essential to refining integrated pest management strategies against M. sorghi in forage sorghum in the USA. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of planting date (early planting and late planting) and in-furrow and foliar insecticide application of flupyradifurone, on M. sorghi infestation and forage sorghum yield in Tifton, Georgia and Florence, South Carolina, USA, in 2020 and 2021. Early planted sorghum supported slightly higher aphid density and severity of infestation as evident in the greater cumulative insect days values in the early planted sorghum at both Florence and Tifton in 2020 and 2021. A single foliar application reduced aphid infestations below the threshold level of 50 aphids per leaf. In contrast, in-furrow insecticidal application in selected plots at both locations significantly suppressed M. sorghi density to near-zero levels. Yield results in Florence in 2020 showed that sorghum yield was over 50% greater in early planted plots compared to late planted plots. Both insecticide treatments (foliar and in-furrow) resulted in significantly higher yield than untreated plots. These data indicate that early planting coupled with in-furrow and foliar insecticide applications can suppress M. sorghi infestations and improve silage production in forage sorghum in the USA.

Management of Melanaphis sorghi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in grain sorghum with early planting and in-furrow flupyradifurone application

Melanaphis sorghi is a key pest of sorghum production across the southern USA, where it causes serious damage that can lead to 100% grain yield loss in severe situations. Studies aiming to refine IPM strategies are crucial to improve management of this invasive pest. Here, the authors investigated the impact of planting date and insecticide application methods, including in-furrow vs. foliar applications, on M. sorghi infestation and grain sorghum yield. Field trials with four insecticide treatments (untreated, flupyradifurone in-furrow at 117 g/ha, flupyradifurone in-furrow at 146 g/ha, and flupyradifurone foliar at 73 g/ha) and two planting dates (mid-April to early May = early planting and late May to early June = late planting) were conducted on grain sorghum at Tifton, Georgia and Florence, South Carolina, in 2020 and 2021. Generally, early planted sorghum supported higher aphid density and severity of infestation as evident in the greater cumulative insect days in early planted sorghum in both Florence and Tifton. While a single foliar insecticide application immediately reduced infestations below the economic threshold, the lower rate in-furrow insecticide application significantly suppressed aphid density to near zero levels. These results suggest that foliar insecticide applications suppressed aphid densities, but were less consistent compared to in-furrow applications. Early planting dates and in-furrow insecticide treatments resulted in highest grain yield in both study locations. These data strongly suggest that planting early and using an in-furrow insecticide is the most consistent way to suppress M. sorghi infestations and improve grain yield in sorghum production in southern USA.

Licorice strips enhance predator-mediated biological control in China's cotton crop.

Habitat management such as field- or farm-level diversification can conserve arthropod natural enemies, enhance biological pest control and lower (or suspend) insecticide use in agricultural crops. These approaches however have been underexploited to manage the aphid Aphis gossypii in cotton cropping systems of Xinjiang, China. In this study, we investigated whether the presence of licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) at the field edge benefits generalist predator abundance and aphid biological control in local cotton crops. Field trials during 2020 and 2021 showed that licorice strips enhanced the in-field abundance of generalist predators (primarily ladybeetles) 2.2-4.3 fold during early season, i.e. initial growth before A. gossypii peak infestation pressure. During peak outbreak conditions in July, treatment fields with licorice strips experienced a respective 17.5-61.2% lowered aphid density and 12.3-14.6-fold higher predator-to-aphid abundance ratio (PAR) than control fields. In late season (aphid decline phase) of either year, cotton fields with licorice strips also attained a respective 4.7-9.9 fold higher PAR. Exclusion cage assays quantitatively assessed predator-mediated A. gossypii biological control and the relative contribution of licorice strips. The biocontrol services index (BSI) was 2.8 times (2020) and 1.4 times (2021) higher at 5m distances from the licorice strip as compared to control fields. Licorice strips in the immediate vicinity of cotton fields benefit generalist arthropod predators and improve aphid biological control throughout the cotton cropping season. These findings help to integrate habitat management within integrated pest management (IPM) frameworks in the biggest cotton production region of China. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Laboratory Assays of Density-Dependent Interspecific and Intraspecific Competition between Aphis gossypii and Acyrthosiphon gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Abstract Aphis gossypii Glover and Acyrthosiphon gossypii Mordvilko (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are important pests of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in Xinjiang, China, that reduce yield and lint quality. We studied competition between the two aphid species in laboratory arenas to better understand population change and competitive advantage between the two and to provide a theoretical basis for the observed population outbreak of aphids in cotton fields. To study intraspecific competition, densities of 5, 10, and 15 aphids per 5-cm-diameter leaf disc were established in individual 6-cm-diameter arenas. Equal numbers of each species were placed on leaf discs in the arenas to establish densities of 3, 5, and 10 aphids of each species per leaf disc to assess interspecific competition. In intraspecific competition assays, the mean generation time (T) and the net reproductive rate (Ro) of both species decreased as aphid density increased, while the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) of Acy. gossypii increased as density increased. In interspecific competition assays, population growth of A. gossypii was higher than with Acy. gossypii at the same density, while the mean generation time of A. gossypii was less than with Acy. gossypii. The net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase, and finite rate of increase were higher in A. gossypii than in Acy. gossypii. Density is a key factor affecting competition between A. gossypii and Acy. gossypii. The higher the density, the more intense the interspecific competition, with interspecific competitiveness of A. gossypii stronger than that of Acy. gossypii.

Do aphids maintain differential densities on plant parts? A case study with Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Differential aggregation of aphids on host plant parts may indicate site-specific optimal densities for efficient utilization of plant parts, besides the usual inference of preferential colonization. Differential densities of aphids within the plant were studied using the legume aphid Aphis craccivora Koch in cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ssp. unguiculata. In field-collected infested sample stems and pods (n=60), colonies were demarcated, aphid colony size, length and circumference measured, and colony area and density calculated. The results indicated that colony dimensions and colony size were significantly higher in pod than in stem whereas colony density did not differ significantly between the two plant parts. Colony density was significantly higher in leaflets of top most leaf than in leaflets of top 2nd or 3rd leaf. Overall, the four plant parts could be graded in the descending order as stem>pod>leaflets of top most leaf> leaflets of top 2nd or 3rd leaf for colony density. Significant positive curvilinear and linear relationship between colony size and colony density in both stem and pod indicated that A. craccivora showed a propensity to spread out colonies at low populations but tended to compact them with a rise in population levels. Identical colony density in stem and pod suggested that the aphid may not require differential densities to overcome host defenses or utilize food from these two plant parts. In top most leaf and top 2nd or 3rd leaf, finite leaflet size apparently limits proliferation of the aphid. Higher density on top immature leaves could be more an outcome of nutritional suitability than the need to overcome host defenses. Variable colony densities on the four parts of V. unguiculata indicated differential optimal densities.

A contribution to the aphid fauna (Hemiptera, Aphidoidea) of Republic of Mali.

The first study of the aphid fauna from the Republic of Mali has been made. Ten species are reported and keyed from this territory. The diagnostic key and the list of host plants of the species found are given. In total, only 69 colonies of aphids were found during the research, which indicates a very low population density of aphids in the territory of Mali. There is a significant difference between the number of aphid colonies found in the dry and rainy seasons. Aphids in Mali, both in the dry and in the rainy season, were found more often in biotopes along rivers, on artificially irrigated areas. About 70% of all colonies in both the dry and rainy seasons were very small or small. It is very likely that originally aphids were absent in the territory of West Africa to the south of the Sahara. They probably penetrated the Sahel zone and the surrounding territories from the Mediterranean coast along the Red Sea coast and from the Arabian Peninsula through Ethiopia and then later they moved further to the west. The progress of crop production could lead to the introduction of a small number of species into this territory only in a relatively recent time.

Chemical footprints mediate habitat selection in co-occurring aphids.

Habitat selection is a critical process that shapes the spatial distribution of species at local and regional scales. The mechanisms underlying habitat preference rely on environmental factors, species traits, and ecological interactions with other species. Here, we examined spatial segregation between two co-occurring aphid species (Rhopalosiphum maidis and R. padi) on wheat plants. We hypothesized that spatial segregation between these aphid species was mediated by aphid cuticular compounds left as chemical "footprints" on plant surfaces. Combining field and laboratory experiments, we first examined how plant microsites alter fitness by measuring the fecundity of each species. Next, we tested whether intra- and interspecific pre-inhabitation modified habitat selection in both aphid species. Both aphid species preferred and exhibited higher fecundity on wheat stems versus leaves. Laboratory trials showed that R. maidis pre-inhabitation altered R. padi spatial preference. By gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis and bioassays testing the effects of aphid density and footprint extracts, we found a density-dependent response, with R. padi avoiding locations previously inhabited by R. maidis. The chemical analysis of footprint crude extracts revealed a highly abundant compound, 1-hexacosanol, and when presented in the synthetic form, also elicited R. padi displacement. Altogether, it indicated that R. maidis footprints altered R. padi habitat selection with cuticular compounds playing a relevant role in the habitat selection process in co-occurring aphid species.

Effect of the endophytic colonization of Beauveria bassiana on the population density of peach aphid (Myzus persicae) and the growth parameters of plants

Endophytic properties of entomopathogenic fungi currently receive considerable attention from the scientific community. In the present work, it was shown that the fungus Beauveria bassiana (strain BBK-1) is able to successfully colonize broad bean and sweet pepper plants under laboratory conditions. The green peach aphid actively bred on both plant species. The density of aphids developing on plants colonized by B. bassiana was significantly lower as compared to the control, both on peppers and beans. The growth-stimulating effect of endophytic colonization by B. bassiana was less pronounced on beans, while on sweet pepper plants, a significant increase in plant height and an earlier onset of the budding were found. The observed effects indicate that B. bassiana has a potential to be used as a polyfunctional biocontrol agent in agricultural practice.

Cowpea aphid resistance in cowpea line CB77 functions primarily through antibiosis and eliminates phytotoxic symptoms of aphid feeding

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is one of the most important crops in semiarid areas of the world, where it thrives in hot, dry conditions. While cowpea is able to withstand abiotic stresses, it suffers serious losses from biotic antagonists, including infestation by the cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora). Cowpea aphid infestations are highly destructive, especially on young plants. However, it is unclear whether cowpea aphid damage is the result of aphids having phytotoxic effects on their hosts, or simple density effects. To better understand cowpea aphid damage and the potential for resistance traits to mitigate aphid impacts, we evaluated phenotypic changes in cowpea in response to variable aphid densities and systemic versus local infestations. Low aphid densities induced leaf distortions and pseudogalling, suggesting that cowpea aphids are phytotoxic to cowpea. Resistance to the cowpea aphid has been previously identified in an African cowpea germplasm, and near isogenic lines (NILs) containing resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) were generated in the California blackeye cultivar background. Using a series of performance assays, we determined that resistance conferred by the two QTL counteracts aphid phytotoxicity and severely limits aphid growth and fecundity. Using choice assays, a preference by cowpea aphids for the susceptible NIL was observed. Electrical penetration graph analysis revealed that the resistance phenotype includes weak surface level deterrence and strong phloem-based resistance that manifests during the sap ingestion phase. Our study provides evidence of phytotoxic traits in A. craccivora while identifying a viable means of counteracting aphid damage and reproductive potential through resistance.

Image classification of sugarcane aphid density using deep convolutional neural networks

Sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner), has caused significant yield loss across the sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) production region in the U.S. Adequate management of sugarcane aphid depends on pest monitoring and economic threshold levels to spray insecticides. However, scouting this pest under field conditions is time-consuming and inefficient. To assist pest monitoring, we propose the use of deep learning models to automatically classify sugarcane aphid infestation on leaves according to different density levels in images. We used a total of 5,048 images collected during field scouting events and evaluated the performance of four deep learning classification models: Inception v3, DenseNet 121, Resnet 50, and Xception. We trained the models to classify aphid densities into 6 classes based on established standard threshold levels for spraying: no aphids present (0 sugarcane aphids/leaf), no threat or below an action/treatment threshold (1–10, and 11–39 sugarcane aphids/leaf), and infested above an economic threshold where an insecticide should be applied (40–125, 126–500, and > 500 sugarcane aphids/leaf) to manage sugarcane aphid in field conditions. Among these models, Inception v3 and Xception performed best with an overall accuracy score of 86% and a lower number of misclassified images. Importantly, the models correctly classified aphids as above or below threshold spray density over 97% of the time. The methodology developed and the models tested in this study can be used in sampling protocols and further mobile applications or remote sensing technologies. These technologies can assist sorghum growers and researchers to scout and screen sugarcane aphid in susceptible and resistant sorghum varieties automatically and provide accurate recommendations on whether or not to apply pesticides.

Musa Germplasm A and B Genomic Composition Differentially Affects Their Susceptibility to Banana Bunchy Top Virus and Its Aphid Vector, Pentalonia nigronervosa.

Banana bunchy top disease (BBTD), caused by the banana bunchy top virus (BBTV, genus Babuvirus), is the most destructive viral disease of banana and plantain (Musa spp.). The virus is transmitted persistently by the banana aphid, Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel (Hemiptera: Aphididae). While research efforts have focused on screening Musa genotypes for BBTD resistance, comparatively little work has been carried out to identify resistance to banana aphids. This study assessed 44 Musa germplasm of different A and B genome composition for the performance of banana aphids under semicontrolled environmental screenhouse conditions and in a field trial established in a BBTD endemic location. In the screenhouse, the AA diploid Calcutta 4 had the lowest apterous aphid density per plant (9.7 ± 4.6) compared with AAB triploid Waema, which had the highest aphid densities (395.6 ± 20.8). In the field, the highest apterous aphid density per plant (29.2 ± 6.7) occurred on the AAB triploid Batard and the lowest (0.4 ± 0.2) on the AA diploid Pisang Tongat. The AA diploid Tapo was highly susceptible to BBTD (100% infection) compared with the genotypes Balonkawe (ABB), PITA 21 (AAB), Calcutta 4 (AA), and Balbisiana Los Banos (BB), which remained uninfected. The Musa genotypes with apparent resistance to BBTD and least susceptibility to aphid population growth provide options for considering aphid and BBTD resistance in banana and plantain breeding programs.