Biology, Ecology, and Management Strategies for Pea Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Pulse Crops

Abstract

Pea aphid, Acyrthospihon pisum (Harris) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is one of the key pests of pulse crops worldwide. The aphid has a broad host range, infesting crops such as faba bean, lupin, alfalfa, lentil, chickpea, grass pea, and pea. This broad host range with a complex life cycle and ability to quickly adapt to new environmental conditions make it difficult to control this pest. Different studies focusing on the biology, ecology, and management practices of A. pisum, along with case studies conducted on different integrated pest management strategies such as host plant resistance, cultural, genetic, biological, and chemical control are reviewed here.