Species diversity and abundance of aphids in triticale crops in North-West Russia

Abstract

The aphid complex of triticale crops in the Leningrad region was characterized by a large species diversity (20 species), but low abundance (1.6 specimens/trap), which, under the influence of weather conditions, varied 2.4–3.8 times depending on the crop. Winter triticale crops were inferior to spring triticale in terms of species diversity (9 vs. 18 species) and abundance of aphids (1.2 vs. 1.9 specimens/trap). The numerical majority were species whose food specialization is related to cereal vegetation (53.8%-71.4% of individuals). The mass species were Rhopalosiphum padi L. and Sitobion avenae F., which accounted for 25.7% and 23.0% of the total number of individuals. The presence of other aphid species in grain crops is due to the presence of weeds (25.7%-26.9% of individuals), the growth of other crops nearby (2.9%-10.3%), woody and shrubby vegetation (0%9.0%). The greatest species diversity and abundance of aphids in crops of both winter and spring triticale was noted in the second decade of June, when the stage development of the former corresponded to the earing phase, and the latter to the tube exit phase.