Population dynamics of aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on wheat varieties (Triticum aestivum L.) as affected by abiotic conditions in Bahawalpur,Pakistan

Population of aphids (hemiptera: aphididae) was studied on five wheat varieties in relation to abiotic factors prevailing in bahawalpur during december,2012 to may,2013. correlation analysis of aphid population with abiotic factors revealed that temperature had positive and significant effect on aphid population (r = 0.46,p < 0.01). similarly rainfall had positive and significant effect on aphid population (r = 0.32,p < 0.05) while relative humidity played a negative and non-significant role on aphid population (r = -0.18,p = 0.17). seasonal mean aphid population was found maximum on faisalabad-08 being statistically higher than on other varieties. lowest population was recorded on punjnad-01(p < 0.05). population of aphids observed in march,2013 remained statistically higher than that observed either in february or april,2013 (p < 0.05). copyright 2016 zoological society of pakistan.