Growth and wilting of radish seedlings, Raphanus sativus, infested with the aphid, Myzus persicae

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
SUMMARY: After 10 days of infestation by the aphid Myzus persicae growth of radish seedlings was reduced by 38 %, and the volume of sap bleeding from the stumps of cut stems of infested seedlings was 4% of that exuding from the stumps of uninfested seedlings of the same age. Diminished bleeding could not be accounted for by the 52 % reduction in the weight of the roots of infested seedlings. After 14 days of infestation, necrotic patches developed along the veins of the cotyledons which yellowed noticeably. If freed of aphids the seedlings subsequently resumed growth and their was an increase in the volume of bleeding sap produced by their cut stems. Symptoms associated with aphid infestation cannot be attributed either to virus disease or initially to exhaustion of the seedling's carbohydrate and nitrogen reserves. Possible causes of the symptoms described are discussed.