Russian wheat aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) development, reproduction, and longevity on hydroponically grown wheat with varying nitrogen levels

Possible changes in Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), biology caused by varying levels of nitrogen in wheat were studied. Apterae of Russian wheat aphid were caged on wheat plants grown in hydroponic solutions containing levels of 4.2, 10.5, 52.5, or 210 ppm total nitrogen. Varying nitrogen levels did not significantly change duration of prereproductive period, reproductive period, longevity, or the number of nymphs produced, although there was a trend for increased nymphal production with increased rates of nitrogen. Increases in nitrogen did significantly increase the percent of nymphs produced in the second reproductive quarter. This increase corresponded with decreased production in the third and fourth quarters. The shift in nymphal production did not significantly influence changes in the intrinsic rate of increase. This study indicates that Russian wheat aphid populations infesting high input wheat, which is traditionally grown under irrigated conditions in the High Plains, may derive some reproductive benefit over populations infesting low input wheat