The Peach Potato Aphid (Myzus persicae)

Considered as economically significant pests with worldwide distribution, aphids feed on hundreds of cultivated and ornamental plants and cause considerable economic loss on a global scale. The peach-potato aphid, Myzus persicae, is one of the most severe model aphid pests and successfully colonizes hundreds of plant species from 40 different families. It is a complex aphid pest known for its high reproductive rate, biotype formation, suppression of plant defenses, and wide range of host plants. This book covers ecological aspects - including life cycle, damage, and host range - which make aphids an economically important pest. A wide range of topics are covered, including ecological aspects of M. persicae; challenges with management approaches; damage; suppression of plant defenses; evolution; the mechanism of resistance against major classes of insecticides; the potential of biological control and natural plant-derived compounds (plant defense elicitors) as an alternative to the use of synthetic chemical insecticides to control M. persicae; and integrated pest management for M. persicae. As the peach-potato aphid is a model aphid pest, studying it helps to develop control strategies against the entire group of aphids. Written for professionals, as well as students, teachers, and researchers in the fields of entomology, ecology, and bioscience, this book is an enriching new addition to its field.