The effect of wheat cultivars on biological attributes of bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (Homoptera: Aphididae)

The Bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) is a serious threat to several cereal crops. Host-plant resistance to this aphid could be especially valuable in cereal crops pest management. Therefore, we evaluated the development, survivorship, reproduction and population growth parameters of R. padi as resistance indices among six wheat cultivars, including Gaskojen, Tajan, Falat, Saysonz, Kras and Sardari at 25 °C under laboratory conditions. The development time and fecundity of aphid differed significantly among the tested wheat cultivars. The rm values were highest for aphids reared on Sardari and lowest on Gaskojen and intermediate on Tajan, Saysonz and Kras cultivars. Aphid showed the longest development time and the lowest fecundity, reflecting in the lowest rm value on Gaskojen cultivar. Consequently, Gaskojen showed more positive characteristics and was relatively not susceptible cultivar that could be considered for planning a comprehensive IPM program of R. padi.