Biology and ecology of Aphis gossypii glover (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Abstract

Aphis gossypii Glover is a destructive pest of over two dozen crops world wide. Damage to a few of these crops is due to direct feeding, but for most of these crops its impact is through its role as a virus vector. As expected, this has resulted in many articles dealing with methods of controlling this insect. The aphid has the ability to become resistant to many pesticides and there is growing concern over environmental impacts of pesticide use. As a result, manipulation of the agroecosystem will play an ever increasing role in the management of this insect. Most aspects of the biology of this aphid are covered in this review. The recurrent theme centers around the importance of host plant influences on the biology of the aphid. In addition to examining the literature on the biology of the aphid, a large section is devoted to which influence mortality in the aphid, and to aphid borne viruses transmitted by this aphid. This review covers the literature from 1912 to 1995, but articles on aphid management (e.g. pesticide efficacy, planting date) were omitted except where they deal with the aphid's biology or ecology. Research on the biology of this aphid has been heavily skewed into several disparate categories. First, research has focused on the influence of host plant and temperature on the reproductive rate of this aphid. Second, research has focused on the cause for alate production such as nutritional stress, other nutritional factors, crowding, and temperature. Third, research has focused on the viral borne pathogens transmitted by this aphid. Three specific cases are highlighted: citrus tristeza, cucumber mosaic virus, and the potyviruses. Last, research has focused on the role of which feed on this aphid. Due to the complexity of research possible in this area, very little research has explored the effect of these beneficial organisms on life history traits of this aphid.