Low and high input agricultural fields have different effects on pest aphid abundance via different invasive alien weed species

By

Szabó, Attila Károly
Kiss, József
Bálint, János
Kőszeghi, Szidonia
Loxdale, Hugh
Balog, Adalbert

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2019

Original Publication

NeoBiota : advancing research on alien species and biological invasions

Volume

43

Pages

27-45

Subjects

Alfalfa , Cropping systems , maize , peroxidase enzyme activity , potato

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sophia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.43.31553

 

Abstract

We conducted field surveys to detect the population density of the most important invasive weed species and their associated virus vectoring aphids in crops grown under high input field (HIF) vs low-input field (LIF) conditions, with and without fertilizers and pesticides. The most frequent invasive weed species wereStenactisannua,ErigeroncanadensisandSolidagocanadensis. These species were hosts predominantly for the aphidsBrachycaudushelichrysiandAulacorthumsolaniin both management systems. The 13% higher coverage ofS.annuaunder LIF conditions resulted in a 30% higherB.helichrysiabundance and ~85% higherA.solaniabundance compared with HIF conditions. Host plant quality was assessed by measuring peroxidase enzyme activity. There was a significantly increased POD activity at 10 μmol min−1mg protein−1unit inS.annuaunder LIF conditions, suggesting a higher stress by aphids under this management regime. The high colonization intensity ofB.helichrysion maize, potato and alfalfa crops were detected from bothS.annuaandE.canadensis. We conclude that new and faster methods need to be used to prevent colonization of such virus vectoring aphids and their host plants, even under low input regimes.