Comparative bionomics and life table studies ofLipaphis erysimi pseudobrassicae(Davis) andMyzus persicae(Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on three cabbage varieties

Abstract

AbstractLipaphis erysimi pseudobrassicae(Davis) andMyzus persicae(Sulzer) are important pests of brassica crops, causing significant yield losses on cabbage in Ghana. To inform the development of ecologically sound and sustainable pest management strategies for these pests, their biological and population growth parameters were studied on three cabbage varieties (Oxylus, Fortune, and Leadercross). The study was conducted in a screen house under ambient conditions at 30 ± 1°C and 75 ± 5% RH and 12:12 h photoperiod from September to November 2020. The parameters of the preadult developmental period, survival rates, longevity, reproduction, and life table were evaluated following the female age-specific life table. There were significant differences in the nymphal developmental time, longevity, and fecundity on the cabbage varieties for both aphid species. The highest population growth parameters, net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increaser, and finite rate of increase (λ) were recorded on Oxylus variety for bothL. e. pseudobrassicaeandM. persicae. The lowest was recorded on Leadercross variety forL.e pseudobrassicaeand Fortune forM. persicae. The results from this study suggest that Leadercross is a less suitable host forL. e. pseudobrassicaeand Fortune forM. persicae, thus, should be considered as less susceptible varieties for use in primary pest management by small-scale farmers or as a component of an integrated pest management strategy for these pests on cabbage.