Study of life cycle of green apple aphid (aphis pomi de geer) infesting apple orchards in Kashmir valley

Keeping in view the havoc caused by green apple aphid on Apple industry in last couple of years and observing the resistance against insecticides in this pest. Severe infestation causes curling, stunting and weakening of terminals and increase risk of winter mortality. A common strategy to control this pest in conventional apple orchards in Kashmir is the use of one or more application of insecticides. But wide spectrum insecticides have led to resistance and resurgence in this pest. It also upsets natural biodiversity and affects population abundance of predators This study was devised and aimed at determining the life history of this devastating pest during May to November months on apple host. The data on total life period (pre-reproductive, reproductive and post-reproductive periods) was recorded. The total progeny produced and total nymphal period was also calculated. The detailed biology of the pest has been recorded for the first time in Apple orchards of Kashmir province of J&K. This study will be of immense importance in carving out a sustainable future IPM strategy against this pest.