A Comparative Life-Table Analysis of <I>Sipha flava</I> (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Two Biofuel Hosts, <I>Miscanthus</I> × <I>giganteus</I> and <I>Saccharum</I> spp.

Abstract

Among the insects reported in biofuel crops, the yellow sugarcane aphid, Sipha flava (Forbes), is a potential pest of giant miscanthus, Miscanthus x giganteus Greef et Deu ex Hodkinson et Renvoize (M x g) and energy cane 'L79-1002', Saccharum spp. L. We studied the biology of S. flava on M x g and energy cane and estimated the development period, fecundity, longevity, intrinsic rate of increase, doubling time, reproductive value, and survivorship curves. To demonstrate the host suitability in a susceptible species, we studied the aphid life table on sorghum 'PL 18200,' Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. Life-table information was recorded under greenhouse conditions on the host plants. Our results suggested that both M x g and energy cane are suitable hosts for S. flava. We observed similar aphid development period on both hosts. Life-table estimates including longevity and fecundity suggested that M x g is a more suitable host for the aphid than energy cane. The intrinsic rate of increase for S. flava was lower on energy cane (0.231) than on M x g (0.258).

Herbivorous Insects Diversity at Miscanthus × Giganteus in Ukraine

“…M. × giganteus appeared as a host to the yellow sugarcane aphid and may cause damage in young stands in the field condition. The potential of Sipha flava (Forbes) to damage M. × giganteus in case of a large-scale cultivation was confirmed in the laboratory research (Pallipparambil et al 2014), when the crop served as a host plant for corn rootworm determined as dangerous maize pest (Spencer & Raghu 2009). It was indicated (Gloyna et al 2011) that the larvae of Western corn rootworm, of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Le Conte) originating from a Central and South Eastern European population, could be developed at M. × giganteus.…”

Phytotechnology with Biomass Production

“…There still is a gap in information about broad Aphid biodiversity at Miscanthus. The extensive field surveys carried out in USA (Bradshaw et al, 2010) and laboratory studies (Pallipparambil et al, 2014) indicated that among the insects reported in Miscanthus, the yellow sugarcane aphid, Sipha flava Forbes, is a potential pest of M. × gigan teus. Sipha flava (Homoptera: Aphididae) is native to North America and has been recorded on approximately 60 plant species, including Cyperaceae, Poaceae, and Commelinaceae (Kindler & Dalrymple, 1999).…”