Population Dynamics of Sitobion avenae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and their Mummified Aphids on Wheat Crop

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the major nutritional bases of mankind and animals worldwide; however, infestations by aphids are the main cause that severely affects wheat production in Pakistan and around the world. In 2021-22 the population densities of Sitobion avenae and their mummified aphids were studied on wheat crop under field conditions at University Research Farm, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi. About eight quadrats were taken on each day from the whole field on weekly basis and numbers of aphids were counted visually on each plant part (stems, leaves, and spikes) individually. Seasonal weekly mean population of aphid morphs on wheat crop revealed that population densities were found significantly different among winged, adults, nymphs, and mummies (F_{5, 551} = 8.38, P = 0.000; F_{5, 551} = 14.80, P = 0.000; F_{5, 551} = 24.13, P = 0.000; F_{5, 551} = 18.30, P = 0.000 respectively). Significantly greater numbers of aphids were recorded on the spikes (29.23 ± 1.14) as compared to those on leaves (8.46 ± 0.68) and stems (0.37 ± 0.05). The overall combined mean population comparison was observed non-significant between aphids morphs winged, adult, nymph, and mummified (F_{7, 551} = 0.20, P = 0.984; F_{7, 551} = 0.07, P = 0.999; F_{7, 551} = 0.08, P = 0.999; F_{7, 551} = 0.50, P = 0.829 respectively) on the wheat crop. Therefore, the S. avenae peak population timing reported in this study will be helpful as a critical infestation period for scheduling their management practices