Interactions Between The Black Bean Aphid Aphis Fabae Scopoli (homoptera: Aphididae) And The Host Plant Phaseolus Vulgarys L

Abstract

Aspects of the biology of Aphis fabae Scop on the host plant Phaseolus vulgaris L. were investigated. Greenhouse studies were also conducted to assess the influence on the performance of common beans of the' levels of A. fabae infestation, stage of bean development at which the infestation occurred, aphid transmission of Common Bean Mosaic virus, and the levels of soil moisture and soil fertility. The biological performance of A. fabae on ten different varieties of common beans was also assessed. The mean duration of A. fabae nymphal development on Red Haricot and Mwezi Moja varieties of beans was 7.8 days when the nymphs developed into wingless adults, and 9.5 days when they developed into winged adults. The duration of instar stages was also similar on both varieties of beans.