Agricultural and Forest Entomology (2020) 22, 349-357
Seide L. Hosseini and Nafiseh Poorjavad (2020)
The biology and ecology of pine aphid, Eulachnus tuberculostemmatus (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and its demographic responses to environmental changes
Agricultural and Forest Entomology 22 (4), 349-357
Abstract: - Eulachnus tuberculostemmatus (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is the most abundant aphid species attacking pine trees in Isfahan, Iran.
- Population fluctuations of this species and its natural enemies were studied on Pinus brutia var. eldarica by weekly sampling. Its fertility-life table parameters were determined in the field in spring and summer 2016. Furthermore, effects of different temperatures (15, 20, 25, and 30 °C) and irrigation regimens (well irrigated, moderately and highly drought-stressed) on its performance were investigated in the laboratory.
- The aphid population reached its peak abundance between 11 April and 23 May. Also, a minor peak was observed between mid-November and mid-December. During the survey, no sexual morphs were observed. Most fertility-life table parameters of E. tuberculostemmatus were found to be significantly higher in spring than in summer. Aphids reared at 20 and 25 °C had a significantly higher net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase and finite capacity for increase compared to those reared at 15 and 30 °C. Also, the aphid performed significantly better on highly drought-stressed trees, due to higher survival rate, female adult longevity and fecundity.
- Population peaks of the four Coccinellidae predators Adalia bipunctata, Hippodamia variegata, Propylea quatuordecimpunctata and Coccinella septempunctata coincided with that of the aphid.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Nafiseh Poorjavad
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
population dynamics/ epidemiology
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
population dynamics/epizootiology
