Effect of temperature on the cereal aphids Metopolophium dirhodum (Wlk.), Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) and Macrosiphum avenue (F.) (Hem., Aphididae)

Abstract The effect of temperature within the range 10–30°C on Metopolophium dirhodum (Wlk.), Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) and Macrosiphum avenae (F.) was measured in controlled environment cabinets. Development rates increased with temperature to a maximum at 20°C for Metopolophium dirhodum , 22·5°C for Macrosiphum avenae and 25°C for R. padi , decreasing thereafter to zero by 30°C when all the nymphs died. The fourth instar and pre-reproductive adult appeared to be affected at temperatures below those for the younger instars. Mortalities of immature M. avenae were similar between 10° and 25°C, but more immature Metopolophium dirhodum died at high, and R. padi at low, temperatures. Survival rates decreased with increase of temperature, and fecundity was largest at 20°C. Rates of increase became largest at 20°C for M. dirhodum and Macrosiphum avenae and at 25°C for R. padi . Above 15°C, R. padi had a 4–16 times larger capacity for increase than the other two species because it developed faster and achieved its rate of maximum fecundity sooner.