Climate Change Indicators

Introduction

One of UK's most damaging aphids-the peach-potato aphid-has been found to be flying two weeks earlier for every 1°C rise in mean temperature. This year, the first aphid was caught on April 25, almost four weeks ahead of the 42-year average, reveal scientists of the Rothamsted Research, UK. Through the study the researchers found that populations could grow both in winter and spring, provided the conditions were warm enough.

After a warm winter, large numbers were seen flying, affecting crops in spring and summer when they are most vulnerable. Aphids extract large amounts of sap weakening the plant and spread viruses

Source

Down To Earth, September, 2008