Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia): an overview

Publication date: 01/05/2023
Extent: 42 pages

Contributions by: Vicki L. Tolmay, Agricultural Research Council – Small Grain Institute, South Africa

Chapter synopsis:

Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov) occurs on all the world’s continents and has been extensively studied. This chapter aims to give an overview of this somewhat unusual grain aphid. The damage this aphid can cause is notorious, however focusing on commonalities associated with pestiferous outbreaks and collating research results from the past can generate helpful insights for future management of D. noxia. The advance of climate change will undoubtedly influence this pest and the crops it attacks. Vigilance, while considering the factors that lead to severe outbreaks, will be required to avoid severe losses in future. Upcoming studies should focus on identifying information and techniques that can shorten the response time for the development of resistant cultivars, accurately identify biotypes within and between countries and enable a more integrated and sustainable D. noxia control strategy.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2022.0114.01