Observation on the influence of climatic factors on aphid population in potatoes

Abstract

The influence of climatic factors on population dynamics of aphids believed to be the probable vectors of virus, in terms of decreasing or increasing the number of individuals (aphids), was studied. Rainfall played a decisive role with a negative correlation. Temperature exhibited a marked influence. Low temperature (12°C) and high temperature (30°C) were unfavorable. A narrow range of temperature between the extremes was optimum for aphids (26 to 27.5°C). Winds aided in the propagation of aphids stimulating migrations and to a certain point the propagation of populations to the potato fields; however, calmness determined the movement of aphids within the field. The above studies were conducted in the area of po tato seed production on the experiment stations of the Instituto de Pesquisas e Experimentação Agropecuárias do Sul (IPEAS) in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul.