Biophysical Management of Aphid (Schizaphis graminum Rondani) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Wheat Crop

Abstract

Aphid is a major pest of wheat that causes substantial agricultural damages to wheat crop annually. In the present study, experiments on ecofriendly management of this pest were conducted at the experimental area of Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI), Bhakkar. The trials were laid down in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data was collected at seven days interval by counting method. As far as efficiency of yellow sticky traps is concerned, the plot having 4-traps captured maximum (848.07) aphids. As a result, minimum (11.16 aphid tiller-1) were observed in the respective plot. The same plot exhibited maximum population reduction (71.93%) and grain yield (6617.9 kg ha-1). The plot having 1-trap captured minimum (257.33) aphids. Consequently, maximum (33.37 aphids/tiller) were found in the field. The same treatment showed minimum population reduction (23.99%) and grain yield (5489.1 kg ha-1). Chrysoperla carnea was found a voracious predator of the pest. The plot having 4-egg cards of this predator showed minimum (7.69 aphids tiller-1) with maximum (49.50%) population reduction of the aphid followed by 8.78 aphids/tiller in the plot having 3-egg cards with 42.56% population reduction. Lowest population reduction (12.33%) was found in the plot having 1 egg card.