Studies on the relations of insect and host plant - III. A comparison of the reproduction of Brevicoryne brassicae and Myzus persicae: (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on brussels sprout plants supplied with different rates of nitrogen and potassium

Abstract

Brevicoryne brassicae and Myzus persicae were caged on the mature leaves of brussels sprout plants receiving different amounts of nitrogen and potassium. An increase in N or decrease in K resulted in an increase in soluble nitrogen levels in the leaves. The fecundity and reproductive rate of M. persicae were correlated with these changes; B. brassicae showed a markedly lower response to the nutrient treatments. The possible relationships of these results to other contrasts between the two aphids are discussed. © 1966 North-Holland Publishing Company.