Bionomics and the predicted distribution of the aphid Brachycaudus rumexicolens (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Abstract

AbstractDevelopment rates of the aphid, Brachycaudus rumexicolens (Patch), a recent arrival in Australia and a potential biological control agent against weeds in the family Polygonaceae, were measured over a range of constant temperatures. The theoretical lower limit for development is 6.4°C and the upper limit 32°C. Maximum fecundity per day was reached at 19°C. The rate of increase peaked at about 28°C giving a population doubling time of less than two days. These values were used with the current distribution to develop a CLIMEX model to predict the potential world distribution of the aphid. The model predicts that the aphid has suitable periods of population growth in autumn and spring, and that survival is unlikely over summer in most of south-western Australia where the aphid has the potential to contribute to the biological control of the polygonaceous weeds, Emex and Rumexspecies. The model predicts that years with cool summer temperatures and late summer rains in south west Australia, such as in 1990 when the aphid was first abundant, will be particularly suitable for aphid development. These conditions occurred twice between 1985 and 1995. To increase the effectiveness of the aphid as a biological control agent of weeds in other years, augmentation by provision of alternative hosts and/or the release of mass reared individuals during autumn is proposed.