Screening for resistance against Rhopalosiphum padi (L.). 2. Hordeum species and interspecific hybrids

Summary Twenty-seven accessions of Hordeum species and interspecific hybrids were screened in a growth chamber for resistance against the aphid Rhopalosiphum padi. Resistance measurement was based on the aphids' population growth during a 16-day period. The mean number of nymphs produced per female was only about 14% of that on the control cv. Tellus. H. bogdani was the most resistant accession. As a group, interspecific F₁-hybrids with common barley (H. vulgare × H. sp.) held an intermediate position. Differences in resistance between hybrids as well as between species (H. jubatum and H. lechleri) were observed. The most resistant species were all diploids. No effects of the host plant on formation of alatae or on the within-plant distribution of aphids were found.