Diversity of aphids in potato fields and impact on the spread of viruses

Protect crops against aphids is even less easy than the high proliferation potential and possible infestation by winged individuals from distant homes, require on the part of farmers regularly monitored. In addition, in the case of aphid vectors of virus diseases, it is necessary to detect the first attacks to limit the spread of the disease within the plot. In 2009, the abundance and diversity of aphids was studied using the yellow bins installed in a network of nine plots of potatoes throughout Wallonia. The evaluation of the diversity and abundance of aphid species were evaluated weekly by collecting the insects captured. At the same time catch and observations on the plots, a sample of thirty leaves of potato is taken from each of the nine plots and analyzed in the laboratory to detect any viral infections, mainly PVY and PLRV. During the growing season, six species of aphid were particularly abundant: Metopolophium dirhodum, Sitobion avenae, Aphis fabae, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Rhopalosiphum padi and Acyrthosiphon pisum. The ELISA performed on leaf samples taken from different plots of potato revealed the presence of PVY and PLRV in six of nine plots sampled. We observed a greater diversity of aphid species in almost all plots investigated.Prospection et etude des relations pucerons-virus en pomme de terre en vue de mettre au point des stratégies de lutte alternatives au Mal