Identification and life history of aphids associated with chili pepper crops in southwestern Colombia

Viral diseases, transmitted by aphids, are the most limiting problems in chili pepper crops. Understanding the demographic features of these aphids, may thus assist the design of better disease control strategies in chili peppers. Aphid species found in chili pepper crops in south western Colombia were identified as Aphis gossypii Glover and Myzus persicae (Sulzer). An array of life-history parameters of both aphid species were investigated at (25 ± 0.5) ◦C, (75 ± 1.75) % r.h., L12:D12, and LS 5-Light Storm in chili pepper crops. Both aphid populations consisted only of parthenogenetic females, showing a similar average development time—from the first nymphal instar to the post-reproductive adult—, female longevity, and daily average fertility values. The length of the reproductive period was higher for M. persicae. A. gossypii reached its adult state significantly faster than M. persicae. The intrinsic rate of population growth (rm) was lower for M.persicae (0.39) compared to A. gossypii (0.43). Results showed a potential for fast population growth in both species, which would enhance their role as virus vectors. The information acquired is essential to develop pest management initiatives for these two aphid species.