Aphid Species Research Articles

Stridulating Species of Aphids of the Genus Uroleucon (Hemiptera: Aphididae) with Descriptions of a New Species from Iran

In this paper, we present a review of stridulating species of aphids of the Macrosiphini genus Uroleucon (Hemiptera, Aphididae) and include 13 species. The most characteristic feature of the reviewed species is the presence of unusual aphids’ peg-like sensilla distributed on the hind tibia, which are rubbed against the surface of the siphunculi. A new aphid species—Uroleucon remaudierei sp. nov., living on Asyneuma persicum and Michauxia laevigata (Campanulaceae) in Iran—is described and illustrated based on the apterous and alate viviparous females. The new species is differentiated from other morphologically similar congeners. An identification key for apterous viviparous females of all Uroleucon species living on Campanulaceae and sound-producing species of the genus Uroleucon are provided. Additionally, a scanning electron microscopy analysis of the apterous and alate viviparous females of this species was made to elucidate the features of the general morphology, antennal sensilla, and stridulatory apparatus for the first time.

Assessing the impact of bifenthrin, neonicotinoids, and insect growth regulators on three aphid species and their predators in Brassica fields: implications for pest management strategies

Assessing the impact of bifenthrin, neonicotinoids, and insect growth regulators on three aphid species and their predators in Brassica fields: implications for pest management strategies

Mechanisms of Alignment in Feeding Aphids on the Plant Stem

ABSTRACTAphids are observed on various plant species, with most aphids feeding downward on stems. In this study, I studied the variations in feeding postures of aphids and their mechanisms. My field observations revealed that the majority of individuals from most species fed facing downward, or more precisely, towards the roots. Exceptions included Indomegoura indica on the scapes of Hemerocallis spp., which were aligned with their head facing the sky. Next, I investigated how plant orientation affects three aphid species, Macrosiphoniella yomogifoliae, Megoura crassicauda and I. indica with different body alignments on upright immature stems. On the stems of the inverted plants, the number of Ma. yomogifoliae and Me. crassicauda in the upward position (head facing the root of the plant) was significantly greater than that in the downward position (head facing the shoot apex of the plant). If their posture is affected by gravity or by certain advantages of the headstand posture, Ma. yomogifoliae and Me. crassicauda are expected to align in a consistent direction, regardless of the orientation of the plant. This suggests that plant cues influence their posture. In contrast, the majority of I. indica were aligned with the head facing the sky on the scape, regardless of Hemerocallis's direction. This result indicates that the feeding posture of I. indica is affected by gravity and/or aphid's intrinsic factors. Therefore, this study provides a new perspective on the factors influencing aphid feeding posture preferences.

APHID SURVEILLANCE IN POTATO FIELDS: IMPLICATIONS FOR VIRUS MANAGEMENT AND TUBER QUALITY

Aphids are the most common and effective carriers of plant viruses. The transmission of potato viruses is primarily linked to the activity of winged aphids. This study monitored migratory aphids in a seed potato field during 2020 and 2021, utilizing yellow water pan traps placed at varying distances from the field edge (20, 50, and 80 meters) to gather spatial and temporal data on the activity of winged aphids within the seed potato field. Throughout the monitoring period, 922 aphids from 65 species were identified in 2020, while 2,508 aphids from 84 species were recorded in 2021. In both years, the highest number of aphids was collected from the trap positioned at the edge of the potato crop at 20 meters. Regarding the total abundance of vector aphid populations and species, in 2021 higher values were recorded than in 2020: 1227 vector aphids from 20 species in 2021 compared with 528 vector aphids from 17 species. In comparison to 2020, the level of virus infection in the tested material was highest in 2021 across all varieties, with the most significant increases noted for the PVM and PVY viruses. Aphids play a significant role as viral vectors in potatoes, impacting tuber quality by transmitting several damaging viruses, most notably the potato virus Y (PVY) and potato leafroll virus (PLRV). These viruses, can lead to a range of quality issues in the tubers, such asstarch and dry matter content.

Legume‐Colonising Aphids as Potential PNYDV‐Vectors: Reproduction and Infestation Dynamics in Two Different Field Bean Varieties

ABSTRACTFaba bean can be infected by Pea necrotic yellow dwarf virus (PNYDV), a novel pathogen throughout Europe, and transmitted persistently by several legume‐colonising aphid species. Recent field screenings in Austria and Germany of different faba bean varieties were encouraging as consistently the lowest viral symptom development in the variety ‘GL Sunrise’ was reported. However, our own greenhouse experiments revealed that ‘GL Sunrise’ was not resistant to PNYDV but showed a similar susceptibility such as other common varieties, for example, ‘Fuego’. Therefore, we suspected varietal host traits were affecting the reproductive potential of virus vector species with reduced virus transmission, probably explaining the empirical superior health status in the field. Under greenhouse conditions, vector‐specific intrinsic rates of increase (rm) for Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris Aphis fabae Scopoli and Megoura viciae Buckton were similar for both varieties, except for a particular A. pisum‐biotype derived from field pea, with a significantly reduced rm and fecundity in ‘GL Sunrise’. Furthermore, vector abundance assessments in multisite varietal showed A. pisum as the predominant species. In overall cross‐year and ‐site evaluation, early aphid census in ‘GL Sunrise’ at growth stage BBCH 61–65 indicated significantly lower primary A. pisum‐infestation pressure (factor 0,43 relative to ‘Fuego’). This lower infestation level in ‘GL Sunrise’ was kept until BBCH 77–79 but the difference had diminished down to the non‐significant factor of 0,74 A. pisum‐density relative to ‘Fuego’ in the late census, respectively. Based on our findings of (i) basic PNYDV susceptibility, (ii) similar reproductive vector performance of key aphid species, together with (iii) a significantly weaker initial A. pisum‐infestation levels in the field, we hypothesise ‘GL Sunrise’‐specific additional antixenosis/antibiotic traits, must influence host recognition and settling behaviour of alighting (viruliferous) migrants and/or apteres, which finally determine the superior PNYDV‐health status in ‘GL Sunrise’ at field conditions.

Biological Control of Aphids in Spain’s Urban Green Spaces

Green spaces in urban areas, such as parks and gardens, provide recreational, social, and health benefits for more than half of the world’s inhabitants. Arthropods in urban vegetation may cause some disruption to humans but also provide vital ecological services such as biological control and pollination. However, little is known about the ecology of urban pests, their natural enemies, and how to manage them in an ecofriendly manner, especially in Southern Europe. In this review article, we consider the information available concerning the biological control of aphids in the urban green areas of Spain, mainly focusing on the different aphid species, their natural enemies (and how to enhance them), and the sampling methods used to study them. A wide range of aphid species is found in Spain, but only a few are responsible for the majority of damage (so-called k-aphids, most of which are holocyclic species), and these show two distinct injury profiles (short and long) that determine monitoring and control strategies. Urban aphids have numerous natural enemies, including more than 20 species of ladybeetles, as well as predatory hoverflies, midges, lacewings, bugs, and other groups. More than 40 species of aphid parasitoids and their tritrophic aphid plant associations have been reported. The availability and usefulness of commercially reared aphid natural enemies is discussed, and two methods to enhance natural enemies are described. We also review aphid sampling methods developed for urban green spaces. The studies provide basic information on the ecology of aphids to support conservation biological control as a reliable strategy in the urban green areas of Spain.

Design, Synthesis of Dienthiazole Derivatives, and Evaluation of Aphicidal Activity.

Nitrogen-containing heterocycles have attracted attention for the development of chemicals because of their many types, high physiological activities, and ease of synthesis. Aphids are severe pests found worldwide that cause serious losses in crop yield and quality every year. In this study, a series of novel dienolone thiazole derivatives were synthesized using dienolone acetate as the parent molecule. The synthesis involved bromination, Hantzsch reaction, esterification, deprotection, and other reactions. The structure of the compounds was determined using proton and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and single-crystal diffraction. The synthesized compounds exhibited excellent insecticidal activities against five species of aphids, including Schizaphis graminum, Brevicoryne brassicae, Aphis gossypii, Aphis citricola Van der, and Myzus persicae. The median lethal concentration values of the compound H-13 for S. graminum, B. brassicae, A. gossypii, A. citricola Van der, and M. persicae were 8.72, 13.77, 14.17, 12.96, and 12.35 μg/mL, respectively. The mode of action test results indicated that compound H-13 had superior contact and systemic activity against M. persicae, similar to the positive control flonicamid. Furthermore, a field trial showed that the control effect of compound H-13 at 100 μg/mL concentration was comparable to that of flonicamid against M. persicae. The mortality was 85.6% and 90.3% after 7 and 14 days, respectively. Finally, to further explore the action mechanism of these compounds, the insecticidal activity of compounds H-13 (strong) and H-24 (weak) on aphid protease was determined. Compound H-13 was found to have a significant inhibitory effect on the strong alkaline tryptase activity. Compound H-13 might cause aphid poisoning and death by inhibiting the trypsin activity. This study provided important insights for the discovery and development of new insecticides.

Invitro assessment of green lacewing Chrysoperla carnea feeding performance on cotton aphid species

Aphis species well known as sucking insect pest of many agriculture crops. It’s attacked on cotton crops reduce the quality of fruits and crops yield. To the management of aphid’s species green lacewing has been used as biological control in present experiment. Study was carried out in Bio-control Research laboratory, Department of Entomology, SAU, Tando Jam, to compare the feeding efficacy of Chrysoperla carnea on Cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii with Akk aphid, Aphis nerii, Safflower aphid, Urolecen carthemi, and Cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae under laboratory conditions at Temperature 26 ± 2 and Relative humidity 65±5 %. The result indicated that maximum feeding efficiency was observed in third instar 23.66 ± 0.60/day on Aphis gossypii followed by second and first instars of C. carnea, respectively. Whereas, the highest per stage consumption rate was recorded in third instar 91.00 ± 1.79/stage when reared on Aphis gossypii followed by second and first instars of C. carnea, respectively. In the first, second and third larval instars of C. carnea preferred Aphis gosypii followed by Brevicoryne brassicae, Urolecen carthemi and Aphis nerii, respectively. The analysis of variance revealed that there were highly significant (P<0.05) difference in feeding efficiency in the larval instar of C. carnea on aphid species. The result further revealed that the development period (DP-day) and rate development (RD-day) significantly (P<0.05) different in larval instars and pupa of C. carnea on different aphid species. Similarly maximum adults emergence % was observed on Aphis gossypii (92%), following by Brevicoryne brassicae (87%), Urolecen carthemi (84%) and Aphis nerii (80%). A statistically Significant (P<0.05), difference was observed among all of given treatment.

Biodiversity of predators and parasitoids of greenideine aphids (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphididae: Greenideinae) and their host plant associations in India

The present article lists the predators and parasitoids of the Greenideinae aphids (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphididae: Greenideinae) infesting different food plants and their distribution in various states and union territories of India. Predators belong to one order of class Arachnida, the order Araneae (spiders) (2 families) and five orders of class Insecta: Coleoptera (family Coccinellidae), Dermaptera (family Forficulidae), Diptera (family Syrphidae), Hemiptera (family Anthocoridae) and Neuroptera (families Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae). A total of 43 species of predators from various taxa were recorded to feed 15 species of the greenideine aphids on 12 food plant species in 14 states of India. The highest number of predators belonged to the families Coccinellidae (28 species) and Syrphidae (5 species). Most of the tritrophic associations (triplets, predators-preys-host plants) of these predators were reported in Manipur (41 triplets), Uttarakhand (22 triplets), West Bengal (10 triplets) and in other states with fewer than 10 triplets. All the parasitoids of greedineine aphids belong to a single subfamily Aphelininae (Aphelinidae: Hymenoptera) and Aphidiinae (Braconidae: Hymenoptera) in India. A total of 23 species of parasitoids were observed parasitising these aphids infesting on 19 host plants in 12 states of India. Most of the tritrophic associations (triplets, parasitoids-hosts-host plants) of these parasitoids were reported from Meghalaya (15 triplets), followed by West Bengal (9 triplets), Manipur (8 triplets), and in other states with fewer than 8 triplets. Indeed, minimal attempts have been made to record the natural enemies of these aphids in India, and an intensive and extensive survey plan is warranted to record them in unexplored areas.

Morphological characterization of some species of aphids belonging to the Aphididae family on some ornamental plants in Karbala Governorate

Given the importance of the aphid, its many species, the multiplicity of its families, and its rapid spread on ornamental plants in the Holy Governorate of Karbala City Iraq, this study was conducted and it aimed to diagnose some of the most important types of aphids belonging to the Aphididae family on ornamental plants in the Karbala Governorate. of the Aphididae family on ornamental plants in Karbala Governorate by selecting a group of nurseries distributed over six areas of the governorate, which comprised (the city center, Imam Aoun area, Al-Husseiniyah area, Al-Boubiyat area, Al-Har area and Al-Hindiya area). This study was conducted during the year 2023-2024 AD in one of the laboratories of the Plant Protection Department - College of Agriculture - University of Karbala. this study showed the presence of a large group of aphid colonies on ornamental plants, including the fine plum aphid (Hyalopterus pruni). This species was found on the Ruilia bretoniana plant. It is registered in Iraq The oat or bird cherry aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi) was found on the Damascus rose plant and was not recorded in Iraq. The black citrus or camellia aphid (Toxoptera auranti) was found on the African rose plant and was not recorded in Iraq. The hawthorn aphid (Dysaphis crataegi) was found on the Sanchezia plant. It is registered in Iraq ornamental plants in most nurseries.

Potential Involvement of Buchnera aphidicola (Enterobacteriales, Enterobacteriaceae) in Biotype Differentiation of Sitobion avenae (Hemiptera: Aphididae).

Buchnera aphidicola, an obligate endosymbiont of most aphid species, can influence aphids' host adaptability through amino acid metabolism, potentially mediating biotype differentiation. However, its role in the biotype differentiation of Sitobion avenae remains unclear. To address this issue, six S. avenae biotypes were tested in this study. Buchnera abundance varied among biotypes fed on different wheat/barley varieties (i.e., Zhong 4 wumang, 186-TM12-34; Dulihuang, Zaoshu No.3, Xiyin No.2). The reduction in Buchnera abundance through antibiotic (rifampicin) treatment altered the virulence of five S. avenae biotypes. Based on transcriptome analysis, the differential expression of three genes (i.e., LeuB, TrpE, and IlvD) related to leucine, tryptophan, isoleucine, and valine metabolism was detected between different biotypes. Principal component analysis showed that leucine and tryptophan deficiencies most significantly impacted nymph development duration and aphid fecundity. Additionally, a neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree indicated the genetic differentiation of Buchnera among different biotypes. These results suggest Buchnera-mediated amino acid metabolism is correlated with biotype differentiation in S. avenae, although the precise mechanisms by which Buchnera influences this differentiation require further investigation. This study can offer a theoretical basis for the development of resistant crops, leading to the sustainable control of this aphid and reduced reliance on chemical insecticides.

Monitoring and Signaling of the Most Important Aphid Species in the Territory of Greater Poland and Silesia Provinces

Aphids are significant pests affecting crop yields both through direct feeding and as vectors of viruses. The monitoring focused on 10 of the most important aphid species. This study investigates the dynamics of aphid populations in two Polish regions, Winna Góra (Greater Poland Province) and Sośnicowice (Silesia Province), over a five-year period (2019–2023) using Johnson suction traps. Data collection covered species composition, migration timing, and seasonal variations in aphid abundance. Dominance patterns were assessed using a species-specific index, and inter-regional comparisons were analyzed through correlation and principal component analysis. Results indicate notable population peaks during autumn, suggesting this period is optimal for implementing control measures. The Johnson traps proved valuable for timely pest monitoring, offering predictive potential for future aphid migration, particularly in relation to virus-transmitting species critical to plants.

A contribution to the aphid fauna (Homoptera, Aphidinea) of the Republic of Dagestan (the Russian Federation), with descriptions of three new species, redescription of Macrosiphum pulcherimum Nevsky, 1928, and descriptions of previously unknown morphs of three species.

An updated aphid (Homoptera, Aphidinea) check-list of the Republic of Dagestan (the Russian Federation) is presented, it includes 125 species and 2 subspecies. Three new aphid species are described here: Aphis dagestanica sp. nov. based on apterous viviparous females, oviparous females and apterous male, living on Caucasalia parviflora (Asteraceae), Aphis epilobiphaga sp. nov. based on apterous viviparous females, living on Epilobium colchicum (Onagraceae) and Aphis oxalicola sp. nov. based on apterous viviparous females, living on Oxalis stricta (Oxalydaceae). Redescription of Macrosiphum pulcherimum Nevsky, 1928 based on apterous viviparous females are given, a lectotype is designated and data provided on the distribution and biology of this species. Previously unknown males and oviparous females of Aphis leontodontis (Börner, 1950) and Brachyunguis zygophylli (Nevsky, 1928) and oviparous females of Aphis apocynicola Holman, 1992, are described. Notes about the distribution and biology of aphids recorded in Dagestan and on the completeness of the list are given.

Genistein and Aphid Probing Behavior: Case Studies on Polyphagous Aphid Species.

(1) Background: Genistein is a naturally occurring flavonoid with a rich spectrum of biological activities, including plant-herbivore interactions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of exogenous application of genistein on aphid behavior during probing in plant tissues. (2) Methods: Vicia faba, Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis, and Avena sativa were treated transepidermally with a 0.1% ethanolic solution of genistein, and the probing behavior of generalist aphid species Aphis fabae, Myzus persicae, and Rhopalosiphum padi was monitored on their respective treated and untreated host plants using electropenetrography (=electrical penetration graph technique, EPG); (3) Results: Genistein did not deter aphid probing activities in non-phloem tissues. In A. fabae and R. padi, a trend towards reduction and in M. persicae a trend towards increase in phloem sap ingestion occurred on genistein-treated plants, but these trends were not statistically significant. (4) Conclusions: Genistein is not a deterrent chemical against generalist aphid species studied; therefore, it is not recommended for practical application.

Cereal aphid species: their natural enemies and efficiency of Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson, 1880) to control Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch, 1856)

AbstractCereal grains both for human consumption and animal feed are an essential component of global food systems. However, during production they are often targeted by various pest insects, including aphids. A survey was carried out from 2017 to 2021 in six cereal production sites in Tunisia to evaluate aphid diversity and identify natural enemies on Triticum turgidum subsp. durum (durum wheat), Hordeum vulgare (barley), Avena sativa (oat) and Triticum secale (triticale). Six aphid species belonging to four genera were recorded: Diuraphis noxia, Rhopalosiphum maidis, R. padi, Schizaphis graminum, Sitobion avenae and Sitobion fragariae. Among these, S. avenae and R. padi emerged as the most prevalent species across the majority of sites, infesting durum wheat, barley and triticale. Sc. graminum, R. maidis and D. noxia were less frequent, while S. fragariae was exclusively found on oat plants. Common aphid predators observed included Coccinella algerica, Hippodamia variegata and C. undecimpunctata, as well as syrphid flies such as Episyrphus balteatus and Sphaerophoria rueppellii. Lysiphlebus testaceipes was the sole parasitoid species detected, emerging exclusively from R. padi and R. maidis mummies. Furthermore, the study on the efficacy of L. testaceipes against R. maidis indicated that parasitism levels increased with the number of introduced parasitoid pairs. Aphid and natural enemy diversity were also evaluated.

Multi-omics approaches define novel aphid effector candidates associated with virulence and avirulence phenotypes

BackgroundCompatibility between plant parasites and their hosts is genetically determined {Citation}both interacting organisms. For example, plants may carry resistance (R) genes or deploy chemical defences. Aphid saliva contains many proteins that are secreted into host tissues. Subsets of these proteins are predicted to act as effectors, either subverting or triggering host immunity. However, associating particular effectors with virulence or avirulence outcomes presents challenges due to the combinatorial complexity. Here we use defined aphid and host genetics to test for co-segregation of expressed aphid transcripts and proteins with virulent or avirulent phenotypes.ResultsWe compared virulent and avirulent pea aphid parental genotypes, and their bulk segregant F1 progeny on Medicago truncatula genotypes carrying or lacking the RAP1 (Resistance to Acyrthosiphon pisum 1) resistance quantitative trait locus. Differential gene expression analysis of whole body and head samples, in combination with proteomics of saliva and salivary glands, enabled us to pinpoint proteins associated with virulence or avirulence phenotypes. There was relatively little impact of host genotype, whereas large numbers of transcripts and proteins were differentially expressed between parental aphids, likely a reflection of their classification as divergent biotypes within the pea aphid species complex. Many fewer transcripts intersected with the equivalent differential expression patterns in the bulked F1 progeny, providing an effective filter for removing genomic background effects. Overall, there were more upregulated genes detected in the F1 avirulent dataset compared with the virulent one. Some genes were differentially expressed both in the transcriptome and in the proteome datasets, with aminopeptidase N proteins being the most frequent differentially expressed family. In addition, a substantial proportion (27%) of salivary proteins lack annotations, suggesting that many novel functions remain to be discovered.ConclusionsEspecially when combined with tightly controlled genetics of both insect and host plant, multi-omics approaches are powerful tools for revealing and filtering candidate lists down to plausible genes for further functional analysis as putative aphid effectors.

First records of moss-feeding aphids (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae) from Hungary

Four species of moss-feeding aphids were captured by Berlese samples collected in Heves county, NE Hungary. These data are establishing the first Hungarian records of moss-dwelling aphids, all the four species and three genera are reported from the country for the first time. Muscaphis (Aspidaphium) eschirichi (Börner, 1939) was yielded from a colony of Palustriella commutata (Hedw.) Ochyra collected from rock in a karst spring outlet, Muscaphis (Muscaphis) musci Börner, 1933 was yielded from colonies of Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. collected from bark of Quercus pubescens Wild. in an open karst forest, Pseudacaudella rubida (Börner, 1939) was yielded from both of the above mosses, while a Myzodium sp. was yielded from a colony of Hypnum cupressiforme mixed with a single stem of Brachythecium salebrosum (Hoffm. ex F.Weber & D.Mohr) Schimp., collected from bark of dead trunk of Quercus cerris L. in a mixed deciduous forest. All moss species are new host records for the corresponding species. Myzodium sp. explain some distinctive characters different from the only European species of its genus and probably belong to an undescribed species, but we are avoiding of describing it on the basis of the single adult captured. Distinctive morphological and biological characteristics of the Hungarian specimens of the four aphid species are discussed and illustrated. A list of the accompanying taxa yielded from the Berlese samples are listed in a table.

Influence of Previous Infestation of Wheat Leaves and Ears by Sitobion avenae on Interaction with Rhopalosiphum padi.

Different herbivorous species that share a host plant may interact via competition or facilitation, depending on whether the interaction partners are hindered by or benefit from the interaction. Sap-sucking insects, such as aphids, can influence each other indirectly by altering the composition of the shared phloem sap. Aphid-induced changes in the plant may affect aphid performance and lead to a shift in the balance between different co-occurring aphid species. In this study, we compared the performance of the English grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) and the bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi) simultaneously infesting leaves or ears of wheat (Triticum aestivum) plants, which had been either previously infested by S. avenae or kept uninfested. Colonies of S. avenae were larger on ears than on leaves, while the opposite pattern was found for R. padi. Pre-infestation of ears, but not of leaves, by S. avenae led to a higher total aphid number and colony size of S. avenae at some time points. The balance between the two species was only slightly affected by previous infestation at some time points. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of plant-aphid as well as aphid-aphid interactions in agricultural fields.

Multigenerational Rearing on Non-Prey Foods Does Not Affect Prey (Aphid) Recognition Behavior of Coleomegilla maculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae).

The pink spotted lady beetle Coleomegilla maculata has been identified as a promising predator to mass rear and release into greenhouses and high tunnels to control aphids on small fruits and vegetables. This study tested the hypothesis that laboratory-reared C. maculata, without any exposure to aphids for multiple generations, could recognize, attack, and consume live aphids. The aphid adults of two species were collected from non-crop host plants (weeds) over two consecutive seasons. The time (seconds) that C. maculata adults required to recognize and partially or completely consume live, healthy adult aphids was recorded in Petri dish arenas in the laboratory. Regardless of the non-prey food source (brine shrimp egg diet, mealworm-protein-based artificial diet), C. maculata adults readily recognized aphids. Adult females were occasionally more voracious than males. One aphid species (Uroleucon erigeronense) was consumed more readily than the other aphid species (Aphis nerii). In conclusion, multigenerational rearing on non-prey foods did not affect the prey recognition behavior of C. maculata adults in the laboratory. Validating the ability of lady beetles reared on artificial diets to recognize and consume live aphids is an important protocol before augmentative releases for aphid control in greenhouses and high tunnels.

Susceptibility of apple varieties to infestation by aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Southern Bulgaria

Aphids regularly infest apple orchards and are considered as one of the most damaging species, especially in humid conditions. In 2021-2023, the collection of different species and the rate of infestation by aphids on different apple varieties were studied in the region of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Among the four aphid species identified in the apple orchard, Aphis spiraecola and Dysaphis plantaginea were predominant, followed by Aphis pomi and Dysaphis devecta. The rate of infestation varied significantly among the apple varieties. The Gala Resistant was the most infested by the aphids with a population coefficient (K) 302.5, followed by the Crimson Crisp – 124, the Pinova – 91, and the Red del Mestar – 52.5. The least infested variety was the Super Chief – 0.9, followed by the Modi – 2.2, the Fujion – 2.8, the Enterprise – 7.2 and the Rosella – 19. Keywords: apples, varietal susceptibility, aphids