The Peach Potato Aphid (Myzus persicae): Ecology and Management

Considered as economically significant pests with worldwide distribution, aphids feed on hundreds of cultivated and ornamental plants and cause considerable economic loss globally. The peach potato aphid, Myzus persicae, is one of most severe model aphid pests that successfully colonizes hundreds of plant species from 40 different families. It is a complex aphid pest known for high reproductive rate, biotype formation, suppression of plant defense, and wide host plant range. This book covers ecological aspects including life cycle, damage and host range which make aphids a pest of economically importance. A wide range of topics are covered, including ecological aspects of M. persicae, challenges with management approaches, damage, suppression of plant defenses, evolution, and mechanism of resistance against major class of insecticides, potential of biological control and natural plant derived compounds (plant defense elicitors) as an alternative to the use of synthetic chemical insecticides to control M. persicae, and integrated pest management for M. persicae. As the peach potato aphid is a model aphid pest, studying it helps develop control strategies against the entire group of aphids. Written for professionals, as well as students, teachers and researchers in the field of Entomology, Ecology and Bioscience, this book is an enriching new addition to its field.