Evaluation of the Use of Energetic Reserves As Bio-markers for an Insecticidal Effect on Woolly Poplar Aphid Phloeomyzus passerinii (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Poplar woolly aphid, Phloeomyzus passerinii (Signoret), has an economical impact on wood quality. In an attempt to detect possible metabolic dysfunctions, aphid females were exposed to two different concentrations of a systemic carbamate insecticide. The effect of insecticide exposure on the energetic reserves (fats, carbohydrates) was assessed. It was observed that the variation in lipids quality was more important than that in carbohydrates. Variations in lipids content seem to be dependent on insecticide concentration and exposure time. Fats were positively correlated with female’s weight at early contact with the insecticide, but over time the correlation shifted toward negative values. However, the variability related to lipids -carbohydrate complex revealed a positive correlation within 24 hours of exposure at the full recommended rate