Chapter 1: This chapter incorporates detailed information about the biotype concept, aphids, their types and their biotypes, importance of studying insect biotypes and their role in mediating host plant defenses.
Chapter 2: This chapter explains in detail about the biology, biotypes, feeding behavior, damage, and economic loss caused due to sugarcane aphid infestation. This chapter further elaborates on the need for studying population level differences and justifies the objectives and significance of this research study.
Chapter 3: This chapter provides information about the comprehensive work done on three different populations of sugarcane aphid collected from three different locations in Rio Grande Valley, Texas. This chapter includes detail information on the life history traits and feeding behavior of three different sugarcane aphid populations along with host plant defense responses against post infestation of sugarcane aphids.
Chapter 4: This chapter provides an overview of my major findings and possible future directions for research to understand the sugarcane aphids and the potential emergence of new biotype(s)
