Aphid population in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.) production

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of PE black mulch with bare soil and hay cover against winged aphid number. In order to create management strategy in watermelon, flight dynamics of aphid population was recorded. The field experiment was set up as a randomized block design in three replications at Pula in Mediterranean region of Croatia. Aphids were collected weekly using yellow water metal traps. There were six sampling dates starting from 19 May until mulch was covered by plant canopy. We found significant difference in aphid number among the sampling dates as a result of their population dynamics on watermelon. The catches of two assessments in the second half of May were more numerous than during assessments in June. The flight maximum was recorded on 26 May and the population density significantly decreased from 9 June. There was not much effect of mulch on aphid number. However, at the peak of aphid population hay cover attracted 13% (26 May) and 18% (2 June) more aphids compared to bare soil.

Keywords

• Aphidae
• watermelon
• Citrullus lanatus
• PE black film
• hay mulch