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The distribution of Myzus persicae (Sulz.) on year‐round chrysanthemums
Author(s) -
WYATT I. J.
Publication year - 1965
Publication title -
annals of applied biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1744-7348
pISSN - 0003-4746
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-7348.1965.tb01262.x
Subject(s) - myzus persicae , biology , cultivar , aphid , population density , horticulture , population , botany , agronomy , demography , sociology
SUMMARY Four cultivars of chrysanthemum (B.G.A. Tuneful, Giant No. 4 White Indianapolis, Bluechip and Yellow Princess Anne) were infested with Myzus persicae (Sulz.) in an insect‐proof glasshouse. Four weeks of rapid reproduction led to temporary overpopulation, but the mean density was soon regulated to a constant level by the production of alatae. When the density was highest, the same proportion of alatae was produced in all regions of the plants and on all cultivars, regardless of population density at the site of eclosion. This was thought to be due to the rapid state of flux in the entire population. Pronounced varietal differences developed in the size and distribution of populations, Tuneful supporting six times as many aphids as Princess Anne. Vertical distribution of aphids on the plants differed not only with cultivar, but also according to the population density and the developmental stage of the plant. A complete redistribution occurred as the density stabilized, revealing further varietal characteristics. The youngest leaves were always the most attractive to the aphids, and preference was frequently shown for their upper surface, particularly on Princess Anne. Short days had little direct effect on the behaviour of the aphids. The induced flowering, however, brought inevitable changes in aphid distribution; populations tended to move upwards towards the flowers, resulting in small, damaged and infested blooms.