Components and mechanisms of resistance in selected field pea Pisum sativum lines to the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Six field pea Pisum sativum (L.), lines (Holetta Local-90, 305PS210687, 061K-2P-2/9/2,061K-2P-14/7/1, JI-898 and 304WA1101937) were screened in a greenhouse for their resistance to the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) and compared to NEP874UK line (control). The total number of progeny and the average and maximum number of nymphs produced per female during a 24-h period were significantly lower in the six lines compared to the control. The intrinsic rate of increase was also significantly higher in the control than in the other lines (except Holetta Local-90). The aphid preferred to feed on the control than on the tested lines. Line 061K-2P2/9/2 was the most resistant genotype as its height and weight were less affected by aphid attack. Based on antibiosis, antixenosis and tolerance effects, lines 061K-2P2/9/2, JI-896 and 304WA1101937T performed better against A. pisum. © ICIPE 2005.