Author
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Katsar, Catherine |
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Gray, Stewart |
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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 9/15/1999 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Aphids are the most important vectors of plant viruses and the most widely studied insect vectors. Numerous laboratories maintain aphid colonies for use in various experimental and commercial applications. This chapter presents an overview of how our laboratory maintains aphid colonies and is intended to provide some guidelines that will allow other scientists or businesses to develop expertise in rearing aphids. Details on facilities, maintenance schedules, handling and potential pitfalls are provided. In addition, general information on starting new colonies and selecting appropriate rearing conditions is provided. Many of the techniques, procedures and equipment used in our system can be adapted for use with other aphid species-plant host combinations. Technical Abstract: Numerous systems exist to rear aphids for use in various experimental procedures. Aphids are among the easiest of insects to maintain in the laboratory, however certain rules need to be strictly adhered to in order to generate physiologically normal insects that will behave in a normal manner. In this chapter we outline the specifics of one system that has been in use for over 40 years to maintain multiple cereal aphids for use i virus transmission studies. Details on facilities, maintenance schedules, handling and potential pitfalls are provided. In addition, general information on starting new colonies and selecting appropriate rearing conditions is provided. The system outline here is easily adaptable for use with many other aphids and host plants. |
