Aphis nasturtii

Kaltenbach, 1843

Buckthorn Aphid, Buckthorn-Potato Aphid

Aphis nasturtii is a known primarily as a pest of agricultural , particularly potatoes, sunflowers, lettuce, and beets. It is a phloem-feeding that extracts sap using . The species is of significant economic concern due to its direct feeding damage and its role as a for at least 15 plant viruses. reflect its association with buckthorn (likely a primary or ) and potato (a major agricultural host).

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aphis nasturtii: /ˈæfɪs næˈstɜrti.aɪ/

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Habitat

Agricultural fields and systems; distribution data from suction traps and water traps indicates aerial and open-field . Specific natural or non-cultivated habitats are not well documented in available sources.

Distribution

distribution with established across multiple continents. In Europe, the northern range limit extends to southern Karelia, Arkhangelsk Region, and southwestern Komi Republic. High harmfulness zones include the Central Chernozem region of European Russia, western and northern Ukraine, Moldova, and southern Belarus. Low harmfulness zones occur in steppe Ukraine, Crimea, North Caucasus, and Transcaucasia. Distribution records also include the Azores (Faial, Flores, São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira).

Diet

Phloem-feeding; sucks sap from plants. Documented agricultural include potato, sunflower, lettuce, and beets. Buckthorn is implied as a host based on the , though specific host relationships require further verification.

Host Associations

Solanum tuberosum - agricultural pest major pest
Helianthus annuus - agricultural pest sunflower pest
Lactuca sativa - agricultural pest lettuce pest
Beta vulgaris - agricultural pest beet pest
Rhamnus spp. - implied inferred from 'buckthorn '; specific association not verified in sources

Behavior

Aerial has been documented through capture in suction traps and water traps, indicating capacity for long-distance movement.

Ecological Role

Agricultural pest causing direct feeding damage rated up to 3 points in severity in high harmfulness zones. of at least 15 viruses, contributing to indirect damage through transmission.

Human Relevance

Major economic pest of multiple agricultural including potatoes, sunflowers, lettuce, and beets. Virus status amplifies economic impact beyond direct feeding damage. Subject of research and programs.

More Details

Virus Vector Status

The is documented as a for 15 viruses, though specific virus names are not provided in available sources.

Harmfulness Zones

Research in European Russia has delineated specific zones of harmfulness based on and impact, with the Central Chernozem region identified as a high-harmfulness zone.