Aphids are significant herbivorous insect pests that infest a range of agriculturally and horticulturally important crops. The bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi, is a major herbivorous insect of cereal crops and is one of the main vectors of cereal viruses. Improving our understanding of the interactions that occur between herbivorous insects and their host plants is important if we are to continue to develop novel and sustainable methods for managing and controlling herbivorous insect populations.
There are a many factors that can influence the interactions between aphids and their host plants, including the level of plant resistance against aphids, diversity within an aphid population (e.g. aphid genotype and/or the presence of endosymbionts), and environmental conditions. The aim of my PhD project was to examine how these factors interact to influence plant-aphid interactions. Key results from this project are highlighted in the publications below.
There are a many factors that can influence the interactions between aphids and their host plants, including the level of plant resistance against aphids, diversity within an aphid population (e.g. aphid genotype and/or the presence of endosymbionts), and environmental conditions. The aim of my PhD project was to examine how these factors interact to influence plant-aphid interactions. Key results from this project are highlighted in the publications below.