Natural Increases in Parasitoid and Predator Abundances and a Shift in Species Dominance Point to Improved Suppression of the Sorghum Aphid Since Its Invasion into North America
<i>Melanaphis sorghi</i> (Theobald) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), commonly called the sorghum aphid, is an invasive pest of sorghum (<i>Sorghum bicolor</i>) (L.) in North America. It was first observed in 2013 along the Gulf Coastal Plains ecoregion of Texas, Louisiana (USA), and M...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Insects |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/15/12/958 |
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| Summary: | <i>Melanaphis sorghi</i> (Theobald) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), commonly called the sorghum aphid, is an invasive pest of sorghum (<i>Sorghum bicolor</i>) (L.) in North America. It was first observed in 2013 along the Gulf Coastal Plains ecoregion of Texas, Louisiana (USA), and Mexico, where it quickly established itself as an economically important pest within a few years. This ecoregion contains an established complex of aphid natural enemies, including both predators and parasitoids. In the decade since its invasion, indicators of increased suppression observed across six years and five locations from south to north Texas were as follows: (1) aphid abundances trending downwards across the years, (2) overall natural enemy abundances trending upwards during the same time period, and (3) a key parasitoid and coccinellid species increasing in dominance. Two key taxa, <i>Aphelinus nigritus</i> (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) and six species of coccinellids (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), were likely responsible for the majority of the pest’s suppression. In light of these findings, the importance of monitoring and stewarding natural enemies of invasive insect pests is discussed as part of a comprehensive strategy to measure and reduce the impact of a pest invasion in large-scale agroecosystems. |
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| ISSN: | 2075-4450 |