1Directorate of Crop Management, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore641003, Tamil Nadu, India
Department of Agricultural Entomology, Directorate of Crop Management, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore641003, Tamil Nadu, India
*Email: saleeshafrancis@gmail.com (corresponding author)
This study evaluated the effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) on the fitness of the aphid Myzus persicae Sulzer in cauliflower. The results revealed that the lifespan of 19 days (at 410 ppm) got shortened to 18 days at elevated CO2 (610 ppm). The nymphal duration decreased with increased CO2. The fertility/ female/ day worked out to 2.58 at 410 ppm, which increased to 3.72 at 610 ppm. The gross and net reproductive rates, intrinsic and finite rate of increase all rose under elevated CO2. The generation time and population doubling time at 410 ppm decreased at 610 ppm. Such an increased fertility and population in short time would have a direct effect on outbreak of the aphid in cauliflower.
Carbon dioxide, 410-610 ppm, Myzus persicae, Cauliflower, Lifespan, Fertility, Reproductive rate, Generation time, Rate of increase, Population doubling time
