OVERWINTERING OF APHIDS, ESPECIALLY MYZUS PERSICAE (SULZER), IN ROOT CLAMPS

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Abstract
Mangold clamps in many districts of the British Isles were found to provide overwintering sites for Myzus persicae (Sulz.), Hyperomyzns staphyleae (Koch) and Aulacorthum solani (Kalt.). After a severe winter, when other means of overwintering are few, clamps may be the most important source of Myzus persicae. Only Myzus ascalonicus Doncaster was found in swede clamps.Factors affecting the infestation of clamped mangolds by M. persicae were the number of aphids on the crop when lifted, the methods of topping and clamping the roots, and the temperature in the clamp. M. persicae was introduced on the leaves, and close topping was often an efficient means of control. Close topping did not control Hyperomyzus staphyleae; normally, this aphid does not seem to be a root‐feeding species, but with artificially colonized mangolds it fed on both exposed roots and foliage. It is not known how this species enters the clamps. The temperature in clamps was influenced by that of the outside air and the type of cover, but changes were long‐term and did not reflect diurnal variations in external air temperature. Straw, covered with soil, was the best form of cover.In addition to harbouring Myzus persicae, mangold clamps are also important sources of sugar‐beet yellows virus.
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