Effect of static magnetic fields (SMF) on the viability and fecundity of aphid Sitobion avenae (Homoptera: Aphididae) under laboratory conditions

Abstract

The present study examines the effect of static magnetic fields (SMF) on aphids. The effect of a field of moderateintensity (1 mT-1 T) SMF on the life of Sitobion avenae was estimated using the age-stage, two-sex life table. Static magnetic fields were 0.065 T and 0.176 T and exposure was for 0, 15, 30, 60, and 120 min. The results show that the development, mortality, and fecundity of S. avenae were significantly affected by SMF in the second generation after exposure to 0.176 T for 30 min and to 0.065 T for 60 min in comparison to the control group. We concluded that SMF affects the development and reproduction of Sitobion avenae.