Seasonal dynamics of wheat aphid complex and predator Coccinella septempunctata in relation to abiotic and biotic factors.

Seasonal dynamics studies on wheat aphid complex, comprising of four major species and its predator Coccinella septempunctata were conducted in context to abiotic and biotic factors. The alate form of aphids appeared on the crop during the 1st week of December. The colony build up of aphid complex started during the 2nd week of January and peak was observed after the 1st week of March. Wheat aphid complex started declining in the last week of March and disappeared by mid April. The abiotic factors like maximum temperature and evaporation were most important for the build up of aphids. The grubs and adults of C. septempunctata appeared on the crop during mid February and their population increased with the increase in aphid population. The grubs and adult population showed a strong positive correlation with aphid complex. The population of predators had significant positive correlation with maximum, minimum, mean temperature, sunshine and vapour pressure. The population of aphids declined after the 2nd week of March due to the rise in temperature, crop maturity and this in turn resulted in the lowering of the predator population. The studies evaluate in detail the abiotic and biotic factors regulating the wheat aphid complex and C. septempunctata populations under wheat agro-ecosystem.