First Report of Smynthurodes betae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Phelipanche ramosa (Orobanchaceae)

Abstract

The bean root aphid, Smynthurodes betae Westwood (Aphididae: Eriosomatinae: Fordini) is reported for the first time feeding on haustoria of branched broomrape, Phelipanche ramosa, (Orobanchaceae) a cropparasitic plant. Field surveys conducted in Poland revealed infestations of P. ramosa by nymphs and adult apterous females of a secondary-host generation of S. betae in 1 locality in Sandomierz County, near Szewce, Poland. Numerous nymphs of S. betae fed on broomrape sap, resulting in poor growth or dead shoots, and 10 to 20% of the total population of broomrape was infested. Potential use of this insect as a biological control method for invasive broomrapes requires further study.