Occurrence of an aphid species on potato roots in Pakistan: A research note
1995
Ahmad, I. | Soomro, M.H. (National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad (Pakistan). Crop Diseases Research Inst.)
During surveys of potato diseases in different potato growing areas of Sindh, Punjab and NWFP, potato fields were observed with symptoms of general yellowing particularly of upper leaves. Distribution of plants with such symptoms was patchy most of the time. When these plants were uprooted populations of a wingless aphid species were noted on roots, stolons and sometimes on tubers. In many cases symptoms of Rhizoctonia canker were also associated. Most severe cases of occurrence were in Gaad area, District Khairpur, Sindh. From literature investigation, it appears to be potato aphid (Rhopalosiphoninus latysiphon) commonly called bulb and potato aphid which is reported to colonize roots and underground stems of the growing plants in medium and heavy soils, particularly in dry environments (Dunning et al, 1980). This aphid is of no importance as a vector of potato viruses, but infested plants may wilt and die or have a decreased tuber yield. No measure appears to have been developed for chemical control of this aphid in the growing crop. This is the first report of the occurrence of this aphid on the roots of potato plants in Pakistan. It needs further investigation to confirm the identity and the damage being incurred by this aphid.
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