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Distribution of Rhopalosiphum padi (Hornoptera: Aphididae) on spring barley plants
Author(s) -
WIKTELIUS S.
Publication year - 1987
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.1744-7348.1987.tb03226.x
Subject(s) - rhopalosiphum padi , biology , agronomy , aphididae , homoptera , population , spring (device) , horticulture , pest analysis , mechanical engineering , demography , sociology , engineering
SUMMARY The distribution of Rhopalosiphum padi on spring barley plants in the field and the laboratory is described. Aphids fed mainly on the lower parts of the plants in both the field and the laboratory. A relatively large proportion of the field population was found beneath the soil surface early in the season. In the laboratory, aphids preferred the stem base and auricles of young and old plants respectively. The highest soluble nitrogen concentration was found in the stem base of young plants. The aphids avoided temperatures above 25°C in a temperature gradient (20°C‐40°C). The soil surface temperature in a barley stand can reach lethal levels for aphids during clear days early in the season. It is concluded that the preference of R. padi for the lower part of young spring barley plants is mainly a consequence of the stem base being the most nutritious part of the plant and that a harsh microclimate possibly forces the aphids beneath the soil surface. This tendency to feed near or below soil level must be taken into account when assessing field densities of R. padi.