Effects of temperature and host plant on hedgehog grain aphid, Sipha maydis demographics

Authors: TAYLOR, MASON - Oklahoma State University; HAYASHIDA, RAFAEL - Oklahoma State University; HOBACK, W.WYATT - Oklahoma State University; Armstrong, John

Submitted to: Insects
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/4/2023
Publication Date: 11/8/2023
Citation: Taylor, M., Hayashida, R., Hoback, W., Armstrong, J.S. 2023. Effects of temperature and host plant on hedgehog grain aphid, Sipha maydis demographics. Insects. 14(11). Article 862. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14110862.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14110862

Interpretive Summary: This work investigates the influence of temperature and host plant on the demographic parameters of the hedgehog grain aphid (HGA), Sipha maydis, under different temperature conditions and on various host plants. Additionally, we determined the supercooling point (SCP) for different life stages of HGA. The implications of our study contribute to a better understanding of the temperature and host plant dependence of HGA, enabling improved prediction and management strategies for HGA populations in small grain crops. Our research sheds light on the optimal temperature range for HGA development, its life history on different hosts, and the absence of cross-resistance in sorghum cultivar TX2783, which is resistant to sorghum aphid and greenbug.

Technical Abstract: The hedgehog grain aphid (HGA), Sipha maydis Passerini (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a cereal pest in many regions of the world that was first documented in the United States in 2007 and has a range that appears to be expanding. The effect of temperature and host plant on HGA development, survival, and reproduction is crucial for understanding its population dynamics, potential distribution, and management strategies. In this study, we investigated the effects of different temperatures and host plants on demographic parameters of HGA and determined the supercooling point (SCP) for first instars, apterous adults, and winged adults. Our findings revealed that temperatures between 20°C and 25°C were optimal for HGA development and reproduction with parthenogenetic females producing approximately 60 offspring in their lifetimes. However, HGA development was hindered below 10°C and above 35°C. The SCP for HGA was similar (mean + S.E.: -16.280 ± 0.532°C) among nymphs, apterous adults, and winged adults. We compared HGA demographics with the demographics of sorghum aphid (SA), Melanaphis sorghi (Theobald, 1904) on wheat, barley and three cultivars of sorghum under constant temperature. The HGA completed its life cycle on all tested host plants with similar reproduction, demonstrating a lack of cross-resistance to HGA by a sorghum that is resistance to SA. By expanding our knowledge of host plant- and temperature-dependent development, reproduction, and mortality of S. maydis, we can better predict and manage future HGA populations in small grain crops. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.