A comparative life-table analysis of Sipha flava (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on two biofuel hosts, Miscanthus x giganteus and Saccharum spp

J Econ Entomol. 2014 Jun;107(3):1069-75. doi: 10.1603/ec13263.

Abstract

Among the insects reported in biofuel crops, the yellow sugarcane aphid, Sipha flava (Forbes), is a potential pest of giant miscanthus, Miscanthus x giganteus Greef et Deu ex Hodkinson et Renvoize (M x g) and energy cane 'L79-1002', Saccharum spp. L. We studied the biology of S. flava on M x g and energy cane and estimated the development period, fecundity, longevity, intrinsic rate of increase, doubling time, reproductive value, and survivorship curves. To demonstrate the host suitability in a susceptible species, we studied the aphid life table on sorghum 'PL 18200,' Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. Life-table information was recorded under greenhouse conditions on the host plants. Our results suggested that both M x g and energy cane are suitable hosts for S. flava. We observed similar aphid development period on both hosts. Life-table estimates including longevity and fecundity suggested that M x g is a more suitable host for the aphid than energy cane. The intrinsic rate of increase for S. flava was lower on energy cane (0.231) than on M x g (0.258).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aphids / physiology*
  • Biofuels
  • Fertility
  • Food Chain*
  • Insect Control
  • Life Tables
  • Longevity
  • Poaceae / growth & development*
  • Population Dynamics
  • Reproduction
  • Saccharum / growth & development

Substances

  • Biofuels