Bionomics of aphids and their parasitoid in selected wheat varieties grown under homologous ecological conditions.

The population dynamics of aphids and their associated parasitoids on two different varieties of wheat crop i.e. GA-2002 and AS-2001 in a homologous agricultural ecosystem was studied. Both varieties were sown at experimental fields of Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture, University Rawalpindi in three replications under completely randomized design. Three aphid species (Sitobion avenae, S. graminum and Rhopalosiphum padi) and one parasitoid wasp, (Diaeretiella rapae) was recorded at both the varieties. Peak population size was observed during mid March which declined in the second week of April each year. Significantly greater numbers of aphids were recorded on spike as compared to leaves and stem. Nymphs were significantly higher than the alate form and the adult females. Statistical comparison showed significantly higher number of aphids and reduced the parasitic rate at variety GA-2002. Variety AS-2002 is therefore recommended as the right variety over that of variety GA- 2002.

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