Interannual population dynamics of the green spruce aphid Elatobium abietinum (Walker) in France

Lemperiere, G., Day, K.R., Petit‐Berghem, Y., Robinet, N., Portier, P., Leather, S.R. and Marage, D. (2019) Interannual population dynamics of the green spruce aphid Elatobium abietinum (Walker) in France. Annals of Applied Biology.

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Abstract

The hypothesis that similar processes govern interannual dynamics of green spruce aphid in the UK and France, is generally supported by the application of a general discrete model. A simple model based on relatively few parameters was able to closely characterise interannual population dynamics from completely independent aerial and arboreal samples of aphids. Long term field population estimates of the green spruce aphid Elatobium abietinum (Walker) in France have provided the opportunity to select and evaluate the generality of a model which was developed in the UK to explain the year‐to‐year variations in peak abundance of the aphid. Aims The objective was to observe the influence of the local climates and disturbing climate factors on the population densities of the insect in two regions of France. Methods The model uses climate variables and aphid population data from regular samples in the two regions that were investigated. A general discrete model was used to predict aphid population densities. Results The model performed well in tracking the interannual patterns of population but was less likely to predict absolute population density. Conclusion To improve predictions, further account would need to be taken of additional site‐specific climate variables and the strength of overcompensating density dependence. Nevertheless it is clear that broadly similar processes are at work in the population dynamics of this insect across its biogeographical range.

Item Type: Article
Keywords: Climate, Elatobium abietinum, Environment, Forest management Picea sitchensis, Population time series
Divisions: Crop and Environment Sciences (to 31.07.20)
Depositing User: Ms Kath Osborn
Date Deposited: 21 Nov 2019 10:09
Last Modified: 13 Nov 2020 05:10
URI: https://hau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/17466

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