Eur. J. Entomol. 91 (2): 227-236, 1994
The effect of plant quality on the abundance of Metopolophium dirhodum (Homoptera: Aphididae) on maize
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In 1989-1991, populations of Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker) on maize in western Czechoslovakia were investigated. Aphid abundance was followed on plants subject to water stress and weed competition and of different ages, sown between late March-late June. Shoot size, growth rate and leaf nitrogen content of the plants affected the performance of aphid populations. Aphids colonized maize stands in early June, after 400 to 500 day degrees (dd), above a 5°C threshold, had accumulated since January 1. Initial abundance varied annually and with host plant size, between 0.1 and 9.9 aphids per plant. Population peak was attained in late June-early July (700-750 dd), after 190-300 dd of exponential population growth. The growth rate of aphid populations was significantly correlated with the growth rate and leaf nitrogen content of maize. Maximum aphid numbers varied annually and were greater on vigorous than on stunted plants. The differences in aphid abundance persisted when recalculated per unit host plant weight. Aphids colonized the lower leaves of maize. The main difference with the population development of M. dirhodum on winter wheat was the greater initial numbers per plant. Rate of population growth varied more and its duration was shorter on maize than on wheat. Maximum numbers per unit plant weight were similar on both crops.
Keywords: Ecology, maize, cereal aphid, population development, abundance, plant growth, stress, dry mass allocation
Accepted: January 13, 1994; Published: May 15, 1994 Show citation
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