Biology and life table parameters of Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in cauliflower, Brassica oleracea var. botrytis

Abstract

Aphid complex was a serious problem in cruciferous vegetables causing about 50 to 67 per cent of yield loss. Among which Myzus persicae was the first one to appear in both the cropping seasons and remained till the harvest. The experiment was carried out to study the biology and life table parameters of M. persicae in cauliflower plants under ambient conditions. The biological parameters observed were the duration of nymphal stage, life cycle, adult longevity, and fertility. The life expectancy of aphid in cauliflower was 19 days with a total nymphal period of 5.24 days (I instar-1.46 days, II instar-1.68 days, III instar-1.32 days, IV instar-0.88 days) and adult longevity of 12.84 days. The larviposition started at 7th day and continued for the next 12 days. The net reproductive rate (Ro) of individual female in her lifetime was 24.40 with a generation time of (T) 10.25 days. The determined intrinsic rate of natural increase (Rm) and the finite rate of increase (λ) were 0.312 and 1.366 no/day, respectively. The population doubling time was found to be 2.223 days.