Aphid diversity and population fluctuation of vector species of the ringspot virus in papaya (Carica papaya L.)

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the research was to compare the diversity of winged aphids in papaya cultivation and determine the population fluctuation of vector species of ringspot.

Design/methodology/approach: The capture of winged aphids was carried out by placing eight Moerick-type water traps, four green and four yellow. Weekly samplings were carried out to locate the plants with symptoms of the disease and to record the abundance of the vector species of PRSV, as well as the progress of the disease.

Results: A total of 694 individuals belonging to 20 species were collected, of which seven species were captured with green traps and 19 species with yellow traps. The highest diversity value was recorded in the green traps; however, the yellow traps captured the highest richness. Of the captured aphids, six are reported as transmitters of PRSV. When analyzing the population fluctuation of the vector species, it was determined that A. spiraecola presented two population spikes during the study, the first was at week three capturing 93 individuals and the highest peak at week ten with 316. The presence of PRSV was recorded in the seventh week of sampling with nine diseased plants, reaching 100% contagion in week 44.

Limitations on study/implications: The correct choice of methods for the capture and monitoring of insect populations in agricultural crops is of vital importance, since the development of prevention and control strategies for pest species and disease vectors depends on this.

Findings/conclusions: It can be inferred that the vector species perform small migrations within the plantation, which can be supported by the increase in the number of diseased plants.

Keywords: Aphids, cultivation, disease, insects, virus.