Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata (2001) 100, 43-52

Paula P. Caballero, Claudio C. Ramírez and Hermann M. Niemeyer (2001)
Specialisation pattern of the aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis is not modified by experience on a novel host
Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 100 (1), 43-52
Abstract: The effect of alternative host condition on the pattern of specialisation of the aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) was studied. R. maidis commonly occurs in Chile on Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense L.) but rarely on contiguous wheat (Triticum durum L.) crops. The performance of 23 clones of R. maidis on S. halepense (established host) and T. durum (novel host) before and after rearing on wheat for 20 asexual generations was evaluated. Prior and after the period of conditioning on wheat no negative correlation of performance parameters between both hosts was found. Only 8 out of 23 clones survived the 20 asexual generations on wheat. Further, after conditioning on wheat, survival of three out of eight clones increased on wheat and three clones improved rm on Johnson grass but not on wheat. Although some genotypes of R. maidis were able to withstand wheat stressing conditions, the conditioning on this alternative host did not cause a decreased capacity to use Johnson grass as host. The results suggest that R. maidis performance on wheat is not genetically constrained, and also that conditioning on wheat cannot substantially modify this pattern.
(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): Claudio C. Ramirez, Hermann M. Niemeyer

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Rhopalosiphum maidis		Chile (continental)