Biosystematics, economic importance, natural enemies and food plants of Lipaphis (Lipaphis) erysimi (Kaltenbach, 1843) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in India

Abstract : Lipaphis (Lipaphis) erysimi (Kaltenbach, 1843), commonly known as mustard aphid and turnip aphid is a polyphagous feeding mostly on 52 species of host plants belonging to 42 genera and 19 families. However, in few associations the aphids may be vagrent on them, partcularly on non brassica plants without feeding as host plant. It reproduces anholocyclclic but records of oviparous females suggest possible holocyclic reproduction in India. It is key pest on several economically important crops, e.g. rapeseed mustard, turnip, radish, cabbage, cauliflower etc. in India. In fields, its population is naturally managed by 11 species of parasitic wasps and 66 species of predators of which ladybird beetles are dominating followed by hover fly larvae. A total of 7 species of ants are reported to attend the colonies of Lipaphis (Lipaphis) erysimi on different plants.
Keyword : Ants, Brassicaceae, mustard aphid, turnip aphid, host plant checklist
Author(s) : Tiwari, K. M., Singh, R., Tripathi, P. N.
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Published Issue : 2024 Vol. 19 Number 2


2024 Vol. 19 Number 2