A review on identification characters and IPM of wheat aphid by using non-conventional methods

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is a major cereal crop of the world and provides 20% of the world’s food calories. Pakistan’s average wheat production is 24.946 million tons, contributing 1.7% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Aphids are a significant insect pest of wheat, causing crop injury by sucking cell sap, releasing honeydew, interfering with the photosynthetic activities of the crop, and transmitting pathogenic viruses. In the present study identification of wheat, aphid species and assessment of IPM modules for aphid management have been worked out. Aphids can be identified based on body color, cornicle tube (length, shape, orientation etc.) and length of antennae. Coccinella septempunctata, Hover flies, Chrysoperla carnea and spiders play a significant role in the management of wheat aphid as a biocontrol agent. So, it is concluded that natural enemies, seed dressing, botanical extracts and sticky traps were found effective and eco-friendly as compared to synthetic insecticides.