Life Cycle amd Fecundity of Mustard Aphids (Lipaphis erysimi Kalt. Aphididae)

Abstract

Mustard aphids (Lipaphis erysimi) are an important pest of the mustard and Crucifera plant family; they are also a major problem for farmers growing vegetables in this plant group. This study investigated the life cycle and fecundity of mustard aphids under laboratory (uncontrolled temperature and humidity) conditions. the results show that the nymphal stage of teh aphids has four instars and takes 4-6 days. The phid lives for 12-29 days. Females in the range 12-23 days gave on average 114 new progeny. The ratio of Apterous : Alaterous progency was 74:2, while average aphid mortality was 16:87 percent.