Behaviour of alatae ofMyzus persicae(Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on chemically treated surfaces after tethered flight

Abstract

AbstractAlatae ofMyzus persicae(Sulz.) were made to fly and then released directly onto untreated or chemically treated surfaces where settling behaviour was studied. Most aphids probed host-leaf surfaces even in the presence of vapour of (E)-β-farnesene, the main component of aphid alarm pheromone, or when related behaviour-controlling chemicals were painted on the leaf. Flown aphids attempted to probe most surfaces on which they landed, including glass and green paper. However, they did not probe white filter papers. Sublethal deposits of deltamethrin did not prevent initial probing on plant surfaces but caused uncoordinated leg movements which resulted in aphids falling from the plants.