Environmental Entomology (1993) 22, 381-387

Xavier Pons, Jordi Comas and Ramon Albajes (1993)
Overwintering of cereal aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae) on durum wheat in a Mediterranean climate
Environmental Entomology 22 (2), 381-387
Abstract: A 7-yr study on field plots in Lleida, northeastern Spain, was carried out to determine the factors that play a major role in the population dynamics of cereal aphids in winter under Mediterranean conditions. Plots were monitored at 7-10-d intervals from crop emergence until the first fortnight in April using a D-vac vacuum net set. Several weather and host plant parameters were related to the following aphid population changes: (1) seasonal net rates of aphid increase (from the first sampling in October or November to 31. March), (2) net rates of increase, and (3) k mortality values between consecutive samplings. Population dynamics of Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) and Sitobion avenae (F.), the species found most frequently, were affected, not only by low temperatures causing aphid mortality but also by other factors. Dry and cold weather, through the effect they have on host plant phenology and quality, reduce aphid developmental rates. Winter minimum temperatures and rainfall, the latter by its effect on host plants, seem to be the major weather parameters to consider to forecast aphid population levels at the beginning of spring.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): Xavier Pons, Ramon Albajes

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
population dynamics/ epidemiology
environment - cropping system/rotation

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Sitobion avenae	Wheat (Triticum)	Spain (continental)
	Rhopalosiphum padi	Wheat (Triticum)	Spain (continental)