Aphid and host plant species in the Arava Valley of Israel: Epidemiological aspects

A survey of aphid species which colonize or reproduce on wild and cultivated plants in the Arava Valley of Israel was carried out at the end of winter 1986. Thirty-three aphid species were collected on wild plants and 23 in green tile or yellow traps exposed in cultivated plots. Aphids were recorded from 77 plant species in 22 botanical families.Myzus persicae, Aphis craccivora, Brachyunguis harmalae, Acyrthosiphon gossypii andAphis gossypii were present on plants in 19 botanical families. M. persicae was the most frequently trapped aphid species in both green tile and yellow traps. The possible origin of the aphid species found in the desert was considered in view of the ecology and geography of the region. The role of aphid species trapped in the Arava Valley, in the epidemiology of potato virus Y (PVY) and zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), is discussed. Publication of the Agricultural Research Organization. No. 2305-E, 1988 series.