Calculating life history parameters of Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris

Life table construction is an important practice in population dynamics determination. Moreover، calculating life history and growth parameters is critical for effective decision making in pest management. Pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris is a cosmopolitan and important pest of alfalfa fields. In this study، life history traits of pea aphid، under controlled conditions including 25 ± 1º C، 65 ± 10% R. H. and 16:8 (L: D) photoperiod were calculated. 55 first instar nymphs of A. pisum (less than 12 hrs. old) were selected as cohort and placed on detached faba bean leaf discs individually. Mortality and fecundity rates were recorded daily until the death of all aphids. The results showed that the preadult period and longevity of pea aphid were 7. 88 and 16. 53 days respectively. Maximum daily and total fecundity were 13 and 118 nymphs and intrinsic rate of increase (rm)، finite rate of increase (λ)، net reproductive rate (R0)، doubling time (DT) and mean generation time (T) were 0. 44 (/day)، 1. 56 (/day)، 132. 65offsprings، 1. 56 day and 12. 56 day respectively.