The influence of selected plant polyamines on feeding and survival of grain aphid (Sitobion avenae F.)

Abstract

The influence of common plant polyamines on feeding behaviour and survival of grain aphid (Sitobion avenae F., Hemiptera: Aphididae) has been studied. Laboratory tests showed that wingless females of S. avenae assimilated higher quantities of food from triticale seedlings placed in 0.01% solutions of agmatine and cadaverine, and lower in case of spermidine and spermine. Increase in the polyamines concentrations up to 0.10% caused strong decrease in food assimilation, especially under the agmatine, cadaverine and putrescine treatment. Moreover, 0.10% concentration of the all analyzed polyamines decreased body mass and reduced survival of grain aphid wingless females. The 0.01% concentration of the polyamines were not affecting survival and body mass of S. avenae with exception of spermidine. Importance of the polyamines as potential natural biopesticides to the grain aphid is discussed