Effects of different varieties of pepper (Capsicum annum L.) on the biological parameters of the green peach aphid Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera, Aphididae) in Tunisia

Abstract

The green peach aphid Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera, Aphididae) is an important pest of pepper, Capsicum annum (Solanaceae), with infestations by this aphid resulting in serious economic damage. Commonly, biological parameters are used to compare insect fitness on different varieties of pepper. Effect of rearing M. persicae on nine varieties of pepper (Anamex, Balconi, Bami, Chargui, Garn ghzel, Italico, J27, Starter and Torero) on the population density and percentage infestation it achieves, and its mean relative growth rate (MRGR) and generation time were studied under laboratory conditions. The highest population density, maximum percentage infestation (92.93%), minimum generation time (10.95 days) and highest MRGR (0.063) were recorded on the variety Chergui and the lowest population density, minimum percentage infestation (51.4%), minimum MRGR (0.043) and maximum generation time on the variety Anamex