Aphid Dynamics in Relation to Meteorological Factors and Various Management Practices in Bread Wheat

Abstract

Aphid Dynamics in Relation to Meteorological Factors and Various Management Practices in Bread WheatThe infestation of aphids in wheat is becoming a serious problem nowadays and it might become a threat to the future wheat crop in Pakistan. With this problem in mind we did a study pertaining to aphid dynamics in relation to meteorological factors and various management practices in bread wheat. The study was carried out at the Wheat Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan. The aim of this study was to investigate how meteorological factors play a role in the fluctuating aphid population and how different management practices could be effective in combating aphids. The results revealed that a peak aphid population was recorded during the beginning of the third week of March for both of the study year periods of 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. Aphid density was positively associated with maximum as well as minimum temperature while it showed a negative correlation with relative humidity. However aphid population was positively but not significantly affected by rainfall. Early sowing on 1st November produced the least aphid infestation hence early sowing was encouraged as a cultural practice for keeping aphids below damaging levels. The recently developed wheat varieties like: SHAFAQ-06, SEHER-06, FSD-08 and LASANI-08, revealed aphid resistance and performed better against aphids. On the other hand the genotypes V-05003, BARS-09 and 0BT006, revealed maximum vulnerability to aphids. Number of aphids per tiller was positive correlated with loss in grain yield. Application of insecticide significantly controlled the aphid population which suggested that a combination of host plant resistance with chemical control could restrain the aphid infestation in wheat.