Jana Müller

Citation

Thesis Title
A study of root aphid Aploneura lentisci Pass.biology and root aphid-host interactions with perennial ryegrass/endophyte associations in New Zealand

Read article at Massey Research Online:

Root aphid Aploneura lentisci is a grass root pest believed to reduce the persistence and yield of New Zealand pastures, particularly under dry conditions. As root aphids are difficult to monitor in their underground habitat, little is known about their biology and interactions with grasses and other important grassland agents such as endophytes (fungal grass symbionts that are widely used in New Zealand to protect grasses against insect damage). Ms Muller developed a methodology to observe root aphids repeatedly on growing plants in laboratory conditions. She acquired first data on the development, life span and reproductive potential of root aphids on perennial ryegrass with and without several widely used endophyte strains. Her experiments also showed that root biomass (and not shoot biomass) responded first to root aphid feeding, suggesting fertilisation and/or irrigation might be worth investigating as a tool to mitigate root aphid damage in the future.

Supervisors
Professor Qiao Wang
Dr David Hume
Dr Alison Popay
Dr Xiong Zhao He