Influence of selected biogenic amines on development and demographic parameters of a temperate population of Cinara (Cupressobium) cupressi (Hemiptera, Aphididae)

Abstract

Cinara (Cupressobium) cupressi, the cypress aphid, is a serious pest of Cupressus spp. and other Cupressaceae, considered to be one of the world’s 100 worst invasive alien species. The potential influence of selected biogenic amines (tryptamine, tyramine, putrescine, and cadaverine) on development and demographic parameters of a temperate population of the cypress aphid was investigated under laboratory conditions. Within parthenogenetic generations, the use of biogenic amines resulted in a significant reduction in the total fecundity and the average daily fecundity both in the fundatrix (F0) and the fundatrigeniae (F1), whereas this influence in the F5 generation was insignificant. In all parthenogenetic generations treated with amines, the dissected female abdomen contained a greater number of mature embryos compared to control samples. Cadaverine caused marked changes in the body length of all viviparous generations studied and a significant reduction in the number of developing embryos, compared to the control sample. The use of biogenic amines did not significantly affect the number of eggs produced by oviparous females but had an impact on their lifespan. Our results indicate that biogenic amines application may disrupt feeding behavior and thus leads to reduced fecundity, consistent with the observation of reduced embryo production. Consequently, bioamines can be used as an alternative agents to control this important pest species.