Biology and morphology of safflower aphid, Uroleucon compositae Theobald (Aphididae: Hemiptera) infesting safflower.

摘要

The biology and morphology of the safflower aphid (Uroleucon compositae) was studied under laboratory conditions. The apterous females collected from the field were released on the potted plants and were observed for progeny/young ones. The nymphs produced were transferred onto leaves in separate Petri dishes (10 cm diameter) containing a wet blotting paper. Fifteen nymphs were released individually and various morphological events were recorded until their death. They were examined at 12-h intervals and the growth of nymphs, moulting into next instar and the nymphs laid per female were also recorded. From this, the duration of instars, total nymphal period, pre-reproductive period, adult longevity, reproductive period, and fecundity were noted. The average duration of first, second, third and fourth instars were 2.14+or-0.39, 2.19+or-0.35, 2.37+or-0.45 and 3.0+or-0.44 days, respectively. The total nymphal period was completed in 9.69+or-0.69 days. Pre-reproductive, reproductive and post-reproductive periods were 1.34+or-0.41, 7.97+or-0.90 and 0.55+or-0.50 days, respectively. The average fecundity was 31.68+or-12.79 nymphs. The entire life cycle was completed in 15 to 25 days.