The effect of the grain aphid,Sitobion avenae (F.), on winter wheat in England: an analysis of the economics of control practice and forecasting systems

In 1975, 1976 and 1977 counts were made of cereal aphid populations in winter wheat fields in West Sussex and Norfolk. Data were also obtained on the area of cereals treated with insecticides to control aphids in different years, dates of application and the types of insecticide used. Most crops were treated when aphid populations were at their peak or had already started to decline. A model which simulates the damage done by Sitobion avenae (F.) to winter wheat was used to analyse the survey data and revealed a large difference between potential and achieved profits. It also showed how the value of insecticide treatment varies throughout the course of an infestation and how the value of a forecasting system depends on its timing and accuracy, the size of the aphid outbreak and its probability of occurrence.     

Effect of nitrogen fertilizer on the growth and survival of Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) and Sitobion avenae (F.) (Homoptera: Aphididae) on different wheat cultivars

Increased nitrogen applications to crops influence plant-insect interactions and potentially increase herbivore population growth. The effect of nitrogen applications on the interactions between a wheat host plant, Triticum aestivum, and its herbivores, Sitobion avenae (Fabricius, 1775) and Rhopalosiphum padi (Linnaeus, 1758) was investigated. Adult body weight, fecundity, maturity rate and longevity of the aphids were measured under different nitrogen application on four wheat varieties, Solstice, Einstein, Deben and Alchemy. Adult body weight of R. padi on Alchemy and of S. avenae on Deben was lowest. Fecundity of R. padi was lesser on Deben and Alchemy while fecundity of S. avenae was least on Alchemy. Days to reach maturity were same on all varieties in S. avenae but in R. padi, Deben positively affected the days to reach maturity. Longevity of S. avenae and R. padi was the same on all varieties. N-fertilizer had a positive effect on the adult weight achieved by S. avenae and R. padi. Fecundity and longevity of both species were also positively correlated with N-fertilizer application. In R. padi, N-fertilizer reduced the time to reach maturity but not in S. avenae.     

Cereal leaf beetle (Oulema melanopus (L.)) population densities and winter wheat yields

Grain yields of a soft white winter wheat cultivar, cv. Ionia, susceptible to cereal leaf beetle (Oulema melanopus (L.)), were determined when the crop was subjected to four controlled infestation levels of the beetle in caged plots over a 3-year period in Michigan. Although identical infestation procedures and insect numbers were used each year, the intensity of larval infestation and feeding damage varied with the year. Significant (P < 0·01) grain losses occurred in plots that had at least 9·0 larvae per stem. The greatest yield loss was 45% and occurred with 15 larvae per stem and 85% feeding damage. Beetle damage had a greater effect on kernel weight than on the other yield components. Although economic thresholds should be conservative to allow for environmental variations, it appears that soft white winter wheat can often withstand beetle infestation levels greater than the current economic threshold of three or more eggs and largae per stem before the boot stage or one or more large larvae per flag leaf during heading.     

Developmental patterns in wheat and resistance to cereal aphids

As wheat develops it varies in its suitability for the grain aphid, Sitobion avenae, so the duration of each developmental stage determines aphid population growth. Simulations of aphid population development on spring and winter wheat cultivars revealed that, as the length of the preferred earing phase was found to be relatively constant, peak population size is determined by the number of aphids at ear emergence. This can be reduced by growing early-maturing varieties, which in terms of crop developmental stage effectively delays the start of the spring migration. Breeding wheat that matures as early as winter barley would greatly reduce the number of aphid outbreaks and make the prophylactic spraying of insecticides unnecessary.     

The influence of weeds on aphid-specific natural enemies in winter wheat

Aphid-specific predators, aphid parasitoids and aphid-pathogenic fungi were sampled in 1980 and 1981 in plots of winter wheat treated or not with herbicides. Aphids and their natural enemies were also sampled from three abundant weed species. Aphid-specific predators were scarce in both years of the study, probably because of the scarcity of cereal aphids in the experimental plots, and no significant treatment effects on this group were recored. The syrphid, Platycheirus manicatus, was the only predator recorded from the weeds. Cereal aphids and the weed aphids, Brachycaudus helichrysi and Cryptomyzus galeopsidis, were attacked by the same species of aphid-pathogenic fungi but by different parasitoids. In the first year more Sitobion avenae were infected by fungal pathogens in weedy plots than in treated plots, either because of higher humidity or because of the spread of infection from weed aphids, or a combination of both. Weed removal had little effect on those parasitoid species which attacked cereal aphids. The small populations of cereal aphids which were present in the plots were unaffected by herbicide treatments.     

Observations on the occurrence and inheritance in wheat of resistance to the grain aphid Sitobion avenae

Glasshouse screening tests with the aphid, Sitobion avenae, demonstrated resistance or extreme susceptibility in a minority of winter wheat cultivars. Assessments of some, but not all, resistant cultivars were apparently affected by the conditions of the test, and field observations confirmed some, but not all, of the glasshouse results. Rapier and Galahad were the most resistant of the cultivars currently available to British wheat growers. F₄ lines of spring wheat from crosses of wheat stocks resistant to S. avenae were screened by two methods and on average were resistant. Crosses differed in the amount of variability available for further selection, and wide-ranging segregation among the lines indicated that resistance genes differed among the parent stocks.     

Ear structure and the resistance of cereals to aphids

In 1977 and 1978 in the field the cereal aphid Sitobion avenae F. (Hemiptera:Aphididae) was a pest on winter wheat (cv. Maris Huntsman), but was rare on winter barley (cv. Maris Otter). The results of laboratory experiments can only partly account for this observation. Alates showed no preference between leaves of wheat and barley, flag leaves of wheat and ears of barley, or ears of wheat and barley, the developmental stages available for colonization in the field. Developmental time, teneral weight, reproductive rate and offspring size of apterae were similar when reared on ears of wheat and barley. However, the proportion that developed into alatae and adult mortality were significantly higher on barley. That aphids fed on the rachis of wheat and the glumes of barley was attributed to differences in the ear structure of the two cereals. The possible role of plant structure in determining the resistance of cereals to aphids in the field is discussed.     

禾谷孢囊线虫初始密度对其繁殖及小麦生长和产量的影响

为明确土壤中禾谷孢囊线虫(Heterodera avenae)初始密度(Pi)与小麦生长和产量的关系,在2011-2013年的两个冬小麦生育周期里,通过网室盆栽试验,分析了土壤禾谷孢囊线虫初始密度对其繁殖及小麦生长和产量的影响。结果表明,禾谷孢囊线虫的繁殖系数(Rf)随Pi的增加而减少,当Pi为0.5个卵·mL-1土时,Rf达到8.7;当Pi为64个卵·mL-1土时,Rf仅为2.8。小麦株高、茎叶干重、根干重及产量均与Pi呈显著负相关。当Pi≥8个卵·mL-1土时,小麦植株生长受到抑制,产量显著下降,因此田间禾谷孢囊线虫的初始密度高于该值时,应当采取有效措施进行防治。     

休闲与轮作对燕麦孢囊线虫种群动态的影响

为明确休闲与轮作对燕麦孢囊线虫病害的防治效果,通过盆栽模拟和田间试验相结合的方法,分析了土壤休闲、轮作和连作对燕麦孢囊线虫种群动态的影响。结果表明,燕麦孢囊线虫的孵化不受寄主或寄主种类的影响;不同处理土壤中二龄幼虫数量以及孢囊内的虫口密度变化趋势一致,河北地区燕麦孢囊线虫孵化高峰期主要在3-4月份。休闲一年后燕麦孢囊线虫的减退率为89.8%。小麦与茄子、甜瓜和冬瓜轮作一年后线虫减退率分别为93.8%、90.7%和90.7%,轮作二年后线虫减退率为98.8%。在自然病田,小麦连作一年后虫口密度上升36.8%,连作两年后虫口密度上升49.2%。说明小麦连作后燕麦孢囊线虫的发生呈上升趋势,休闲或轮作一年以上可有效地降低土壤中燕麦孢囊线虫的虫口密度。     

Natural control of the cereal cyst nematode, Heterodera avenae Woll., by soil fungi at three sites

Populations (eggs/g dried soil) of the cereal cyst nematode Heterodera avenae Woll. failed to increase at two sites on susceptible spring barley but increased slightly at another on spring oats. Nematode multiplication was not related to the numbers of females produced on roots in summer; fewer female nematodes were produced where populations increased than where they declined. The failure of the nematode to multiply was due to few (less than 40%) of the females forming cysts containing eggs, a reduction in fecundity and an increase in the number of encysted eggs containing fungi. Verticillium chlamydosporium was the main fungus causing the decline in nematode numbers. Nematophthora gynophila was present at all sites but was most active at Woburn where irrigation was used to keep soils moist. V. chlamydosporium was the main parasite of encysted eggs at all sites but soil-borne saprophytic fungi were also isolated. These fungi were not found in many eggs and were considered to be only weak parasites. Differences in resting fungal spore densities in soil were not always related to differences in rates of parasitism. The activity of N. gynophila is affected by soil moisture and density of females as well as the density of spores in soil. The production of chlamydospores by V. chlamydosporium may also depend on the isolate of fungus present: some isolates produce no such spores on artificial media or, possibly, in soil. This work has shown that V. chlamydosporium and N. gynophila can reduce cereal cyst nematode populations under susceptible cereals but it is difficult to predict at present if they will give an effective control in a given soil or season.     

A comparison of cereal-aphid migrations over Britain in the summers of 1979 and 1982

The numbers of migrant cereal aphids in the Rothamsted Insect Survey suction-trap samples in the summer of 1982 indicated that M. dirhodum, S. avenae and R. padi were very abundant in eastern Scotland where large populations of these aphids were also observed on spring barley crops. In England, much smaller numbers of these species were recorded in both suction-trap samples and on cereal crops. The size of migrations in eastern Scotland, especially of M. dirhodum, were similar to those observed in East Anglia in 1979. The similarities and differences between the two years are discussed. Both outbreaks occurred during an extended period when the crops were favourable for aphid reproduction because of interactions between weather, differing cropping practices and natural enemies. This study shows that suction-trap samples can be used to improve the prediction and understanding of pest outbreaks even when crop samples are limited or absent.     

Multi-generational Effects of Different Resistant Wheat Varieties on Fitness of Sitobion avenae (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Crop resistance plays a role in preventing aphid damage, benefiting food production industries, but its effects are limited due to aphid adaptation and phenotypic plasticity. Therefore, furthering understanding of aphid–crop interactions will improve our ability to protect crops from aphids. To determine how aphids adapt to resistant varieties of wheat, Triticum aestivum L. over time, we performed a laboratory experiment to assess the multi-generational effects of three wheat varieties, Batis, Ww2730, and Xiaoyan22, with different resistance levels on the fitness of Sitobion avenae (Fab.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The results showed that Ww2730 and Xiaoyan22 were more resistant than Batis to S. avenae, regardless of whether the aphids were newly introduced or had been acclimated before being introduced to the three wheat varieties. However, the effect of resistance on aphid life-history traits was time dependent. Aphid weigh gain increased and they development faster of the acclimated generation compared to the newly introduced generation on all three varieties. And the fecundity on the three varieties and net reproduction rates on Batis and Xiaoyan22 significantly decreased. Aphid fitness in terms of individual life-history parameters improved, whereas aphid fitness in terms of reproductive decreased, and a convergence effect, the difference gaps and standard errors of all life-history traits among the three acclimated populations had narrowed and were less than those in the three first-generation populations, was observed during the 3-mo experimental period. We suggested that S. avenae could rapidly respond to wheat resistance through life-history plasticity.     

Control of volunteer cereals with post-emergence herbicides in maize (Zea mays L.)

Volunteer winter cereals are found sporadically in maize (Zea mays L.) fields across southern Ontario. Seven field trials were conducted over a two-year period (2006 and 2007) at four locations to determine the efficacy of five acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides for the control of volunteer cereals applied at two post-emergence application timings (2–4 and 4–7 maize leaf tips). The volunteer cereals were a hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (‘Hyland AC Morley’), soft red winter wheat (‘Pioneer 25R47’), soft white winter wheat (‘Pioneer 25W41’), and a autumn rye (Secale cereale L.) (‘FR’) cultivar. Volunteer cereal competition in maize resulted in a yield reduction of up to 44%. Foramsulfuron, nicosulfuron, nicosulfuron/rimsulfuron provided greater than 70% control of the volunteer cereals at 56 days after treatment (DAT), while primisulfuron and rimsulfuron provided greater than 60% control. Volunteer cereal control with early and late application was greater than 82 and 61%, respectively. Hard red winter wheat was the most sensitive to the ALS-inhibiting herbicides with control of 84–93%. Soft red and soft white winter wheat cultivars were intermediate in sensitivity with control of 76–87%, while autumn rye was the least sensitive with control of at 56–71% control at 56 DAT. Maize yields were improved when volunteer cereals were controlled with the use of herbicides compared to the weedy control, but were lower than the weed-free control. Early herbicide application resulted in improved control of volunteer cereals and higher maize yield.     

Evaluation of augmentative release of Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) for biological control of Parthenium hysterophorus L.

Augmentative release of biocontrol agents has been largely successful for the management of insect pests but it has not been a common approach for weed management. Augmentation methods need to be developed for weed management, especially for pernicious weeds like Parthenium hysterophorus L., commonly known as pathenium or carrot weed. The leaf beetle Zygogramma bicolorata is a potential biocontrol agent of P. hysterophorus. Initial release of biocontrol agents is subject to uncertainties as to whether timely population built-up will take place in sufficient numbers. Several augmentative releases may be required to ensure early establishment of the biocontrol agents, for successful biological control of noxious weeds including pathenium. We made augmentative releases of larvae or adults of Z. bicolorata each to three sites, severely infested with pathenium at Jabalpur, India consecutively for a period of three years. Initially 10 larvae or adults per sq m were released in each plot, followed by a second, third and fourth release of 3, 1.5 and 1.5 larvae or adults per sq m at an intervals of 3, 7 and 14 days after the first augmentation. The pathenium at augmented sites were completely defoliated in 45 and 60 days by larvae and adults respectively. There was also a reduction in the pathenium density and plant height in the augmented sites as compared to the non-augmented sites. Over a period of 3 years augmentation resulted in a noteworthy negative effect on the weed.     

Interactions between Metopolophium festucae cerealium (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV-PAV)

Interactions between an invasive aphid, Metopolophium festucae (Theobald) subsp. cerealium, and Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV-PAV) were studied under laboratory conditions. M. festucae cerealium is an economic pest of wheat and barley that has recently been found in high population densities in wheat in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. BYDV-PAV is the most prevalent and injurious species of BYDV worldwide and in the Pacific Northwest. Although M. festucae sensu stricto (Theobald 1917) has been reported previously as a vector of some BYDV isolates, there is no confirmed transmission of BYDV by M. festucae cerealium. Two experiments examined the ability of M. festucae cerealium to transmit BYDV-PAV. The first used single aphids caged to indicator plants of a BYDV-susceptible winter wheat cultivar and the second used multiple aphids on each test plant. M. festucae cerealium did not transmit BYDV-PAV in either experiment, whereas transmission by a known BYDV vector, Rhopalosiphum padi L., was consistently high (≥93%). A third experiment compared the intrinsic growth rate, days until first reproduction and daily reproduction by M. festucae cerealium on sham-inoculated and BYDV-PAV-infected wheat, but detected no differences. The findings are reviewed in light published data on M. festucae species, BYDV transmission, and the potential pest status of this new invading aphid.     

Assessing yield losses caused by the harvester ant Messor barbarus (L.) in winter cereals

Harvester ants from the species Messor barbarus (L.) are important seed predators in semi-arid cereal fields of NE Spain, and can contribute substantially to weed control. However, occasionally they harvest newly sown crop seeds at sowing in autumn, or ripe cereal grains close to harvest in summer, causing yield losses.A preliminary study was conducted in 34 commercial winter cereal fields to measure yield loss, and to identify factors that influence it. The area affected by ants was measured ten days prior to the anticipated harvest date. Ant colony size, nest density, crop height, weed densities and temperatures at sowing were assessed.At sowing, harvester ants did not cause yield losses (0.2% of potential yield on average). At harvest, yield losses were generally low as well (0.6%) although occasionally higher losses were recorded (max. 9.2%). Yield losses significantly increased with increasing nest density, nest size and with number of years of no-till. The results of this study show that in 2009 yield losses caused by M. barbarus were insignificant and more than offset by the benefits provided by the destruction of weed seeds.     

Some observations on susceptibility and resistance of winter wheat to the aphid Sitobion avenae (F.) in Britain

Resistance to Sitobion avenae (F.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) was assessed in glasshouse tests of 20 winter wheat varieties that were of major importance or are currently recommended for British agriculture. The varieties Kador, Bounty, Rapier, Virtue, Bouquet and Maris Ranger were relatively resistant and the varieties Maris Huntsman, Armada, Joss Cambier, Bersée and Hybrid 46 were the most susceptible. The significance of these findings for growers, for integrated control of cereal aphids and for plant breeding is considered.     

Compatibility of Phytoseiulus persimilis and Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) with imidacloprid to manage clementine nursery pests

Biological control is not common in citrus nurseries where chemical control is prevalent. The systemic neonicotinoid imidacloprid applied as a drench is effective against three out of four key pests of young clementine plants in Spain – aphids, whiteflies, and scales. However, mites, the fourth key pest, are not control by imidacloprid and could be regulated by introduction of the predatory Phytoseiid mites Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot and Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of imidacloprid applied as a drench on the demographic parameters of these two predatory mites and the compatibility of P. persimilis releases with imidacloprid to control key pest populations in young clementine plants under field conditions. The results showed that some demographic parameters of P. persimilis were affected by imidacloprid. However, their combined effect on its intrinsic rate of increase was neutral. In contrast, imidacloprid negatively affected the demographic parameters of N. californicus. Field results proved that young clementine plants could be satisfactorily protected against key pests with releases of P. persimilis combined with drench applications of imidacloprid. The combination of imidacloprid with P. persimilis releases was highly effective for management of the key pests of young clementine plants in the nursery.     

Response of spring planted barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oats (Avena sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to mesotrione

There is little information on the response of spring planted barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oats (Avena sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to mesotrione under Ontario environmental conditions. Four field studies were conducted in Ontario, Canada over a two-year period (2008 and 2009) to evaluate the sensitivity of spring planted cereals (barley, oats, and wheat) to pre-emergence (PRE) and post-emergence (POST) applications of mesotrione at 50, 100, and 150 g ai ha⁻¹. Mesotrione applied PRE caused minimal visible injury at 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after emergence (DAE) and had no adverse effect on plant height or yield of barley, oats and wheat. Mesotrione applied POST caused as much 11% injury and reduced plant height as much as 6% in spring planted cereals. Injury was higher in wheat compared to barley or oats. Mesotrione applied POST had no adverse effect on the yield of barley or oats but decreased the yield of wheat as much as 14%. Based on this study, mesotrione applied PRE at 50, 100 or 150 g ai ha⁻¹ can be safely used in spring planted barley, oats, and wheat. Mesotrione applied POST at the proposed dose of 50, 100 or 150 g ai ha⁻¹ can also be safely used in spring planted barley and oats. However, mesotrione applied POST results in unacceptable injury in spring planted wheat.