Life table analysis of the performance of aphid Sitobion avenae (Homoptera: Aphididae) nymphs exposed to a static magnetic field

Abstract

Using the age-stage two-sex life table, this work was undertaken in order to determine the effect of static magnetic fields (SMFs) at two flux densities (0.176T and 0.065T) applied at increasing times of duration (0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 h) on the development, fecundity and reproduction of the aphid, Sitobion avenae. Exposed nymphs had a statistically significant shortened first instar period and adult longevity and prolonged fourth instar periods compared to controls. There were significant differences in the population parameters for two exposure combinations, 0.176T for 0.5 h and 0.065T for 1 h. The intrinsic rate of increase (r), net reproductive rate (R0) and mean generation time (T) were 0.1165, 3.5 and 11.7 days, respectively, 0.176 T for 0.5 h and -0.0198, 0.7 and 11.8 days, respectively, 0.065T for 1 h. We therefore recommend using the age-stage, two-sex life table to study the effect of the static magnetic field on development and growth of the aphid, Sitobion avenae.

Keywords

• Life table
• static magnetic field (SMF)
• Sitobion avenae