Date of Award

2010

Publication Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

M.Sc.

Department

Biological Sciences

Keywords

Biological sciences

Supervisor

Sherah Vanlaerhoven

Supervisor

David Hunt

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, is an invasive pest which causes damage and yield loss to soybean plants in North America. One method of soybean aphid control involves the use of soybean varieties that negatively impact aphid physiology and behaviour. Mean aphid fecundity measured at different stages of soybean growth showed differences between resistant and susceptible plant varieties as well as differences between the growth stages. Mean aphid longevity on susceptible and resistant plants at different growth stages showed a similar trend. Movement from resistant plants was higher than movement from susceptible plants amongst 1st -2nd instars, apterous adults, and adult alates. Aphids left host plants without the knowledge of an alternative host plant indicating random dispersal. Adult apterous aphids were repelled by resistant plant leaves when given a choice between odour free air and resistant plant odours in a Y-tube olfactometer.

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