Laboratory assessments of resistance to the aphids Sitobion avenae and Metopolophium dirhodum in three Triticum species and two modern wheat cultivars

SUMMARY Three ancient varieties of wheat and two spring‐sown modern varieties were screened in the laboratory to assess their resistance to the cereal aphids Sitobion avenae and Metopolophium dirhodum. Resistance was measured in terms of non‐preference and antibiosis on plants at three growth stages. The ancient variety Einkorn was the most resistant in terms of both non‐preference and antibiosis to both species of aphids at all growth stages examined. The ancient variety Emmer and the modern Sicco exhibited some resistant properties, whereas the ancient Spelt and modern Timmo were relatively susceptible to aphid attack.