ABSTRACT
As a most common component of aphid alarm pheromone, E-ß-farnesene (EßF) could not only dispel aphids, but also modify some behavioral responses of their natural enemies. In order to investigate the ecological function of EßF, its influence on the population dynamics of Myzus persicae (Sulzer), Aphis gossypii (Glover), Macrosiphum euphorbiaein (Thomas) and their natural enemies was studied in potato fields. The results showed that there were significantly lower aphid abundance (2012, 2013), higher ladybird beetle abundance (2012, 2013), and higher mummified aphid abundance (2012) on potato plants in EßF treated plots (100 µL per week). The numbers of aphids at the distances of 1 m and 5 m from EßF releaser were significantly lower compared to 10 m in 2012, and the aphid number was significantly lower at the distance of 1 m compared to 5 m and 10 m in 2013. Moreover, significantly higher parasitoid and hoverfly numbers in 2012 and higher numbers of ladybird beetles in 2013 were observed in yellow traps in EßF treated plots. The results suggested that EßF could suppress aphid population growth within a certain distance in potato fields.
