Effect of Four Oilseed Rape Cultivars on Biological Parameters and Intrinsic Rate of Natural Increase of Brevicoryne brassicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

The cabbage aphid Brevicoryne brassicae L. is an important pest, which attacks the rape seed and causes economic damage. In this study, effects of four different cultivars of rape seed (Zarfam, Licord, Hyola 401, and SLM046) on biological parameters and intrinsic rate of increase of B. brassicae were studied in laboratory conditions (25±1ºC, 70±10 RH and of 14:10 (L:D) photoperiod). Results showed that maximum nymphal and reproductive period, longevity of insects were found on Licord cultivar. The maximum fecundity of adult aphid was seen on Hyola 401. There was no significant difference between duration of developmental stages, and aphid fecundity on different cultivars. The intrinsic rate of increase was calculated by Wyatt & White method. Estimated intrinsic rate of natural increase of aphid was 0.316, 0.294, 0.311, and 0.289 on Zarfam, Licord, Hyola 401, and SLM046, respectively. Although the lowest intrinsic rate of increase was observed on Zarfam, statistical analysis of Wyatt & White output showed there was not any significance difference between rm on different cultivars.