Demographic parameters of Lipaphis erysimi on canola cultivars under different nitrogen fertilization regimes

Abstract

Increased nitrogen applications to crops influence plant-herbivore interactions and potentially increase herbivore population growth. In this research, the impact of nitrogen fertilizations on nutritional quality of three canola (Brassica napus L.) cultivars (Zarfam, Okapi and Modena), and consequently the performance of on mustard aphids, Lipaphis erysimi Kalt., were investigated under green house conditions. Nitrogen fertilization treatments were 0, 75, 150, and 225 kg N. ha-1. The results showed that increased nitrogen fertilization resulted in enhancing plant nitrogen content and decreasing of C/N ratio of leaves. Based on N-content and C/N ratio, Zarfam had the highest nutritional quality for herbivore among tested canola cultivars. Fertilization generally increased the susceptibility of plants to mustard aphid. Therefore, aphids feeding on plants receiving higher nitrogen levels had shorter nymphal developmental time, longer adult longevity as well as greater fecundity. The highest and the lowest values of aphids’ intrinsic rate of increase (rm) were calculated on Zarfam and Modena cultivars, respectively. Moreover, nitrogen fertilization positively affected rm of aphids on all canola cultivars. According to our results, managing of nitrogen fertilization and cultivation of resistant cultivar could be suitable eco-friendly strategies to manage mustard aphid population.