The life‐history of the leaf‐curling plum aphid <i>Brachycaudus helichrysi</i> in Northern Ireland and its ability to transmit potato virus Y^C(AB)

Abstract

SUMMARY The life‐history of leaf‐curling plum aphid, Brachycaudus helichrysi was studied in Northern Ireland from 1977–1980. It was shown that the life cycle differed in several respects from those of geographically distinct populations, reported by other authors, especially with regard to the timing of egg hatch. Body length and antennal segment measurements of the adult stages on Prunus spinosa and Trifolium pratense correlated well with published dimensions for the species. Virological studies showed B. helichrysi to be capable of transmitting potato virus Y C(AB) with a vector efficiency of 34%. This value is higher than previous estimates and enhances the significance of the species as a virus vector in potato crops early in the growing season.