Fluctuation and identification of aphids at three potato (Solanum tuberosum   L.) producing localities in Monagas State, between 1987 and 1990

Carrera A, Cermeli M. 2001. Fluctuation and identification of aphids at three potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) producing localities in Monagas State, between 1987 and 1999. Entomotropica 16(2):67-72. Aphids are vectors of viruses desqualifying potato tuber, grown for seed. In order to avoid virus incidence it is necessary to know the species present and alate dynamics in potato seed producing areas. In order to know alate fluctuation and aphid species present in three locations in the State of Monagas, yellow water traps (painted Lemon Yellow F65YV29 Kem Lustral Sherwin Williams®), were used at the potato field borders 40 cm above ground. Evaluations were performed during the dry season from 1987 to 1990. At San Agustin (1 100 meters above sea level) 33 species were collected, at Caripe (800 masl), 25 species and at Guanaguana (400 masl) 34 species. The most common alates present were Aphis citricola , Aphis amaranthi , Myzus persicae and Lypaphis erysimi. The highest incidence coincided with flowering period of the crop. Differences in number of species were found among the localities