JOURNAL OF LIAONING TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY (NATURAL SCIENCE EDITION)

ISSN: 1008-0562

MANAGEMENT OF WHEAT APHID Schizaphis graminum (RONDANI)

(HOMOPTERA, APHIDIDAE) THROUGH VARIOUS CONTROL STRATIGIES
AND THEIR EFFECT ON YIELD

Abdullah1, Shah Alam Khan1, Waseem Hayat1*, Hazrat Ali Khan2, Aneela Tahsin1, Bilal
Khan1, Ijaz Ullah1, Syed Waqif Hussain1, Ijaz Ahmad1, Najeeb Ullah Jogezai1, Sagheer
Ahmad1, Yasir Khan3, Salman Zafar1, Qazi Palwasha Naseem1

1 Department of Plant Protection, The University of Agriculture Peshawar

2 Department of Agronomy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan
3 Department of Entomology, The University of Agriculture Peshawar

Abstract
Our research trial was comprised of two experiments. In first experiment, effect of various
sowing dates ((S1) 26th Oct, (S2) 6th Nov, (S3) 16th Nov 2021) on the population trend of wheat
aphids (Schizaphis graminum R.) on selected varieties of wheat (Khyber-87, Uqab, Attahabib-
10, Pirsabak-2019) were studied. In the second experiment the efficacy of various botanicals
(Neem oil, Garlic Extract, Aleovera extract) and Imidacloprid was studied against wheat aphids
(Schizaphis graminum R.) during 2021 on wheat variety Pirsabak-2019. Averaged over varieties,
data regarding 1st sowing date showed that significantly lowest aphid plant-1 (1.39) and reached
to its peak in the 9th week (14th February) with 80.21 aphid plant-1. Averaged over weeks, lowest
aphids’ plant-1 (7.90) was recorded on Pirsabak-2019, while significantly highest number of
aphid’s plant-1 (42.06) was recorded on Khyber-87 variety. The interaction effect of weeks x
varieties showed that statistically lowest aphids plant-1 (0) was recorded onPirsabak-2019 and
Attahabib-10 in first week (20-Dec), while significantly maximum aphid plant-1 (147.76) was
recorded in 9th week (14-Feb) on Khyber-87. Averaged over varieties, data regarding 2nd date of
sowing date showed that aphids appeared in 1st week (02-Jan) by having 1.18 aphids plant-1 and
peaked (89.57 aphid plant-1) in the10th week (27th Feb) with significant difference. Interaction
effect also showed that significantly minimum aphid plant-1 (0) was recorded on Pirsabak-2019
and Attahabib-10 in the first week (02-Jan), while significantly maximum aphid plant-1 (170.83)
was recorded in10th week on Khyber-87. Averaged over varieties, data regarding 3rd date of
sowing date showed that aphids appeared in 1st week (11th Jan) by having 0.91 aphids plant-1 and
peaked (91.06 aphid plant-1) in the9th week (7th March) with significant difference. Interaction
effect showed that significantly minimum aphid plant-1 (0) was recorded on Pirsabak-2019 and
Attahabib-10 in the first week (11th Jan), while significantly maximum aphid plant-1 (175.33)
was recorded in 9th week on Khyber-87. Averaged over dates of sowing, data regarding the yield
revealed that significantly maximum yield (3158 kg ha-1) was obtained from Pirsabak-2019 and
significantly minimum yield was obtained from Khyber-87 variety, with 2327 kg ha-1. Averaged
over varieties, data regarding the yield revealed that significantly maximum yield (2796 Kg ha-
1) was obtained from varieties sown on 26th October. Yield obtained from varieties sown on 6th

(2695 Kg ha-1) and 16th November (2667 Kg ha-1) was not significantly different from each other.
Interaction effect of varieties x date of sowing showed that significantly maximum yield (3256
Kg) was obtained from variety Pirsabak-2019 sown on 26th October and minimum from the
variety Kyber-87 (2276 kg) sown on 16th November. Pesticides treated trial showed that,
averaged over time intervals, significantly minimum mean population density (2.28 aphid plant-
1) was recorded from Imidacloprid treated plot and significantly maximum mean aphid

population density (41.91 aphid plant-1) was recorded from Control. Averaged over treatments,
showed that significantly maximum mean population density (24.80 aphids plant-1) was recorded
7th day of post treatment, while significantly minimum mean population density of aphid plant-1

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 2, 2024 https://www.lgjdxcn.asia/ 102-124

JOURNAL OF LIAONING TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY (NATURAL SCIENCE EDITION)
ISSN: 1008-0562

was recorded 24 hours of post treatment with 14.18 aphids plant-1. The interaction effect of time
intervals x pesticides revealed that significantly lowest population density (1.80 aphid plant-1)
was recorded on of efficacy of Imidacloprid treated plot, 24 hrs of the post treatment. And,
maximum population density (46.44 aphid plant-1) was recorded 7 days of the post treatment in
the control plot. Results regarding the impact botanicals and Imidacloprid on the yield revealed
that maximum yield was obtained from the Plot treated with Imidacloprid and minimum from
the control. Similarly, the data regarding thousand grain weight revealed that that significantly
maximum thousand grain weight was recorded in Imidacloprid treated plot and minimum in
control. Overall, Pirsabak-2019 proved comparatively better variety among all the tested
varieties against wheat aphids (Schizaphis graminum R.). Chemical (Imidacloprid) was
statistically better as compared to botanicals (Neem oil, Garlic Extract, Aleovera extract).
Keywords: Schizaphis graminum, varietal response, botanical control, chemical control

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ISSN: 1008-0562

Introduction

Wheat is the staple food of people in Pakistan and is being consumed @129 kg per
capita/person annually. Wheat is an important cereal crop of Pakistan, as it is grown on 9
million hectares with almost 80% farmers grows this crop. During the year 2020-2021
wheat production reached to 27.5 million tons and cultivated on an area of 9.2 million/ha
(Khan et al., 2011). Production of wheat is affected by various abiotic and biotic factors
i.e., low yielding varieties, improper irrigation, fertilizer application, sowing time, weed
and insect pests (Wains et al., 2010). Several insect pests causes damage to wheat crop,
Among these insect pests, Aphids are developing as a potential pest causing more
distortion in wheat crop (Khan et al., 2011), and are soft-bodied insects, order Hemiptera
and super family-Aphidoidea. Body size of these insects ranging from about 1.5 mm to
around 3.1 mm. Dominant species of wheat aphids are S. graminum, R. padi, S. avenae,
Diuraphisnoxia (Mordvailko) and rose-grass aphid, M. dirhodum (Bospucperez and
Schotzko, 2000). Schizaphis graminum in Pakistan is a severe insect pest. It's also a major
pest of oats, barley, and sorghum, but it is the common species on Rabi wheat crop. It is
most destructive in the winter and causes significant economic losses in the yield of wheat
crop. It directly damages the crop by feeding on cell sap, as well as indirect damage via
viral transmission and the growth of mold (brown rust) on their honey dew (Aslam et al.,
2005). Aphid outbreaks are frequently favored by mild, dry winters and chill, dry springs.
Among all insect pest, total of 29 aphid’s species attack on the wheat varietys. Aphid can
cause various damages to plant such has leaves curling, chlorosis, and leaves distortion
which hinder the growth of the plant (Akhter and Khaliq, 2003). Heavy aphid infestation
at the initial stage of the wheat crop can kill the plants however aphids feeding on plant
result in poor root growth, resulting in damaging the number of tillers and grain yield
(Russel, 2013). In Peshawar the aphid pest appeared from December to January. The peak
population of aphid has been recorded during the month of February. Infestation of aphids
decreases gradually towards the end of March very low members were recorded and at the
end of April aphids vanished completely (Khan at al. 2006). This pattern is very much
complicated as no single factor is responsible for decline the population from the field,
however, may be due to natural enemies, temperature, humidity and stage of the crop.
Keeping in view the above importance the current research is to examine the effect of
different sowing dates of wheat varieties on aphid (S. graminum R.) population under field
conditions ((S1) 26th Oct, (S2) 6th Nov, (S3) 16th Nov, 2021), compare the impacts of

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efficacy of botanical extracts and chemical pesticide against wheat aphid (Schizaphis
graminum R.) and compute the yield and its related qualities from different treatments in
wheat field.

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Materials and Methods

This study is composed of two different experiments; first experiment was to determine
effect of sowing dates on the population trend of wheat aphids (Schizaphis graminum R.)
on selected varieties (Khyber-87, Uqab, Attahabib-10, Pirsabak-2019) of wheat. while in
the second experiment comprised the efficacy of three bio pesticides (Neem oil, Garlic
Extract,and Aleovera extract) compared to synthetic chemical (Imidacloprid 20% SL)
were tested against (Schizaphis graminum R.) during 2021-2022 in NDF Malakander, The
University of Agriculture Peshawar.
Experiment 1: Study population trend and using different sowing dates of selected
wheat varieties against wheat aphid S. graminum.
In this experimental trial, three replications treatment-1 were used in Randomized
Complete Block Design (RCBD). Four wheat varieties (Khyber-87, Uqab, Attahabib-10,
and Pirsabak-2019) were sown though hand hoe on 3 different dates at an interval of 10
days i.e., (S1) 26th Oct, (S2) 6th Nov, (S3) 16th Nov, 2021. These four varieties were used as
treatments and blocks as replications. Each plot was 2.5m in width and 2m in length, 30cm
distance was maintained between rows as well as one-meter separation between
replications. All the agronomic practices were carried out and no pesticide was applied pre
or post sowing (Zeb et al., 2011).
Parameters:

1. Mean population trend of wheat aphids (Schizaphis graminum R.)

Data regarding population trend were recorded on weekly interval for 12 weeks in the field
during cropping season. In each replication, for sampling five spots in one row foot were
randomly selected and number of aphids was counted on leaves, stem and spikes through
visual method in the field. Data was collected from whole plant during seedling stage while
at maturity data was collected from leaves and spikes, respectively. The mean number of
aphids plant-1 was calculated from each variety.

2. Yield

On maturity the crop was sickle harvested in 1m2 area in the center of each plot. The
bundles were properly tagged and allowed to sun drying for seven days. After threshing
separately grain yield of each plot was converted to kg ha-1 by the formula;

ℎ = 10,000
ℎ

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Experiment 2: Efficacy of various botanicals and Imidacloprid against wheat aphid

(Schizaphis graminum R.)

In this experiment, variety with minimum number of aphids per plants among the tested
varietys were selected from first experiment was selected and sown at NDF Malakander,
The University of Agriculture Peshawar. Current experiment was performed in
Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD)with three replications and five treatments
i.e., (T1) Neem oil, (T2) Garlic Extract, (T3), Aleo vera extract, (T4) Imidacloprid 20% SL
and (T5) control in each replication. The total size of the experimental plot was (32m x
6m), with three rows of one meter each; row-row distance and plant-plant distances was
30 cm and 15 cm respectively, while plot to plot distance was kept 50 cm. All cultural and
agronomic procedures, including weeding, thinning, and watering, were carried out evenly
in all plots throughout the growing season. With a knapsack sprayer, a chemical (spray)
was employed on or before reaching the ETL (Aslam et al., 2005)

Parameters:

1. Mean population density of aphids leaf-1 on different varieties of wheat

Application of treatments was done through knapsack hand sprayer when aphid population
reached economic threshold level (ETL (35-40). Population density of aphids was
recorded after 24, 48, 72 and 168 hours post application of treatments. For data collection,
in each replication, from three different plant, five leaves were selected; number of aphids
was counted and following formula was used to calculate their mean (Asim et al. 2019).

T1 + T2 + T3 + T4 + T5
Population density P =
5
“P” signifies the average population density/plant, while T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 denotes time
interval.

2. Thousand Grain Weight

Mature wheat varieties were harvested and threshed separately to record the data regarding
thousand grain weights. These wheat samples were taken separately from each plot to
calculate thousand grains by weighing on electric balance (Zeb et al. 2011).

3. Yield kg ha-1

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On maturity the crop was sickle harvested in 1m2 area in the center of each plot. The
bundles were properly tagged and allowed to sun drying for seven days. After threshing
separately grain yield of each plot was converted to kg ha-1 by the formula;

ℎ = 10,000
ℎ

Statistical analysis
The data were analyzed using the STATISTIX software (8.1). Mean of all parameters were
distinguished by least significant difference (LSD 0.05) approach.

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Results

Mean population trend of wheat aphids (Schizaphis graminum R.) plant-1

The analysis of variance for the population trend of wheat aphids (Schizaphis graminum
R.) revealed significant effect (P<0.05) because of different wheat varieties and sowing
dates. The information in Table 1 relates to the population trend of wheat aphids
(Schizaphis graminum R.) on four different wheat cultivars sown at various dates. Mean
values for varieties and sowing dates revealed significant difference. Significantly
minimum aphid population (7.90 aphid plant-1) was obtained from Pirsabak-2019,
followed by Attahabib-10 (16.93 aphid plant-1) and Uqab (23.78 aphid plant-1),
respectively. However, significantly maximum aphid population was obtained from
Khyber-87 variety with 42.06 aphid plant-1. Mean values for weeks also showed significant
difference among various time interval, as aphids emerged initially on 20-December and
peaked (80.21 aphid plant-1) in the 9th week (14-Febraury), followed by 8th week (07-Feb)
and 10th week (21-Feb) with 52.40 and 39.46 aphid plant-1, respectively. Significantly
lowest aphid plant-1 (1.39) was recorded on 20-December followed by 27-Dec (2.28 aphid
plant-1) and 03-Jan (2.93 aphid plant-1) with no significant difference. The interaction
effect of weeks and varieties was significant. Population of aphids was low during last
weeks of December and starts building in the middle weeks of January. Statistically
minimum aphids plant-1 was recorded from the interaction effect of wheat varieties such
as Pirsabak-2019 and Attahabib-10 with first week (20-Dec) with no significant difference,
while significantly maximum aphid plant-1 (147.76) was recorded from the interaction of
9th week with Khyber-87 variety followed by the interaction of 8th week x Khyber-87 and
9th week x Uqab with 95.90 and 90.94 aphids plant-1, respectively. After 10th week, a sharp
decline was observed in aphid population; however, the overall seasonal aphid population
trend shows that wheat aphid significantly preferredKhyber-87 variety in the mid-week of
February.

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Table 1: Mean population trend of wheat aphids (Schizaphis graminum R.)

plant-1 on four wheat varieties sown on 26th October, during 2021.

S. No. Weeks Wheat Varieties Mean

Khyber-87 Uqab Attahabib-10 Pirsabak-2019
1 20-Dec 0.48 stuv 3.08 stuv 0.00 v 0.00 v 1.39
h
2 27-Dec 2.96 stuv 2.20 stuv 2.68 stuv 1.30 tuv 2.28
h
3 03-Jan 4.48 rstu 2.11 stuv 4.01 rstu 1.13 uv 2.93
gh
4 10-Jan 4.96 rst 2.13 stuv 2.41 stuv 3.03 stuv 3.13
gh
5 17-Jan 29.36 i 18.11 l 13.38 no 2.46 stuv 15.83
g
6 24-Jan 38.19 g 14.21 mno 12.87 o 6.86 qr 18.03
e
7 31-Jan 68.94 d 32.53 hi 18.53 kl 7.20 qr 31.80
d
8 07-Feb 95.90 b 54.47 f 41.53 g 17.70 lm 52.40
b
9 14-Feb 147.76 a 90.94 c 59.20 e 22.93 j 80.21
a
10 21-Feb 68.62 d 38.09 g 34.27 h 16.86 lmn 39.46
c
11 28-Feb 32.20 hi 21.87 jk 11.74 op 13.38 no 19.79
e
12 07-Mar 8.85 pq 5.67 qrs 2.56 stuv 1.94 stuv 4.75
g
Mean 42.06 a 23.78 b 16.93 c 7.90 d
Mean with different letters are significantly different at P≤ 0.05
LSD value for Varieties at p ≤ 0.05 = 1.0827
LSD value for Week at p ≤ 0.05= 1.8752
LSD for value interactions at p ≤ 0.05 = 3.7505

Mean population trend of wheat aphids (Schizaphis graminum R.) plant-1 on four
wheat varieties sown on 6thNovember, during 2021
The analysis of variance for the population trend of wheat aphids (Schizaphis graminum
R.) revealed significant effect (P<0.05) because of different wheat varieties and sowing
dates. Table 2 provides information on the population trend of aphids (Schizaphis
graminum R.) on four distinct wheat cultivars sowed at various dates. Mean values for

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varieties and sowing dates revealed significant difference. Significantly minimum aphid
population (9.19 aphid plant-1) was obtained from Pirsabak-2019, followed by Attahabib-
10 (12.05 aphid plant-1) and Uqab (26.30 aphid plant-1), respectively. However,
significantly maximum aphid population was obtained from Khyber-87 variety with 47.99
aphid plant-1. Mean values for weeks also showed significant difference among various
time interval, as aphids emerged initially on 02-January and peaked (89.57 aphid plant-1)
in the 9th week (27-Febraury), followed by 8th week (20-Febraury) and 10th week (06-
March) with 69.22 and 47.01 aphid plant-1, respectively. Significantly lowest aphid plant-
1 (1.18) was recorded on 02-January followed by 09-January (1.49 aphid plant-1), 20-
March (2.18 aphid plant-1) and 16-January (2.44 aphid plant-1) with no significant
difference. The interaction effect of weeks x varieties was significant. Population of aphids
was low during first weeks of January and starts building up rapidly in the first weeks of
February. Statistically minimum aphids plant-1 was recorded from the interaction effect of
wheat varieties such as Pirsabak-2019 and Attahabib-10 with first week (02-Jan), Second
week (09-Jan) with no significant difference, while significantly maximum aphid plant-1
(170.83) was recorded from the interaction of 9th week with Khyber-87 variety followed
by the interaction of 8th week x Khyber-87 and 9th week x Uqab with 148.73 and 91.40
aphids plant-1, respectively. After 10th week, a sharp decline was observed in aphid
population; however, the overall seasonal aphid population trend shows that wheat aphid
significantly preferred Khyber-87 variety in the mid-week of February.

Table 2: Mean population trend of wheat aphids (Schizaphis graminum R.) plant-1 on
four wheat varieties sown on 6thNovember, during 2021.

S. No. Weeks Wheat Varieties Mean

Khyber- Uqab Attahabib-10 Pirsabak-2019
87
1 02-Jan 2.76 rst 1.99 rst 0.00 t 0.00 t 1.18 i
2 09-Jan 3.76 rst 2.20 rst 0.00 t 0.00 t 1.49 i
3 16-Jan 6.74 2.11 rst 0.92 st 0.00 t 2.44 i
opqrst
4 23-Jan 12.55 3.03 rst 2.10 rst 1.20 st 4.72
mnop hi
5 30-Jan 18.22 lm 8.11 3.67 rst 2.10 rst 8.02
nopqrs gh
6 21-Jan 27.85 k 9.06 nopqr 2.93 rst 4.17 qrst 10.00
fg

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7 06-Feb 37.62 hij 11.27 4.76 qrst 6.86 opqrst 15.13

mnopq e
8 13-Feb 83.37 d 44.93 gh 14.56 mn 7.20 opqrst 37.52
d
9 20-Feb 148.73 b 77.72 de 32.72 jk 17.70 m 69.22
b
10 27-Feb 170.83 a 91.40 c 54.21 f 41.85 ghi 89.57
a
11 06-Mar 45.89 g 73.23 e 37.07 ij 31.84 jk 47.01
c
12 13-Mar 25.51 kl 13.80 mno 3.76 rst 6.66 opqrst 12.45
ef
13 20-Mar 5.63 3.10 rst 0.00 t 0.00 t 2.18 i
pqrst
Mean 47.99 a 26.30 b 12.05 c 9.19 d

Mean with different letters are significantly different at P≤ 0.05

LSD value for Varieties at p ≤ 0.05 = 2.0412
LSD value for Week at p ≤ 0.05= 3.6798
LSD value for interactions at p ≤ 0.05 = 7.3595

Mean population trend of wheat aphids (Schizaphis graminum R.) on four wheat
varieties sown on 16thNovember, during 2021
The analysis of variance for the population trend of wheat aphids (Schizaphis graminum
R.) revealed significant effect (P<0.05) because of different wheat varieties and sowing
dates. Table 3 illustrates the population trend of wheat aphids (Schizaphis graminum R.)
on four distinct wheat varieties seeded on different dates. Among all the tested wheat
varieties, mean values for varieties and sowing dates revealed significant difference.
Significantly minimum aphid population (6.51 aphid plant-1) was obtained from Pirsabak-
2019, followed by Attahabib-10 (13.87 aphid plant-1) and Uqab (25.93 aphid plant-1),
respectively. However, significantly maximum aphid population was obtained from
Khyber-87 variety with 51.58 aphid plant-1. Mean values for weeks also showed significant
difference among various time interval, as aphids emerged initially on 11-January and
peaked (91.06 aphid plant-1) in the 9th week (07-March), followed by 8th week (28-
Febraury), 7th week (21-Febraury) and 10th week (14-March) with 69.05, 36.85 and 36.67
aphid plant-1, with no significant difference between 7th and 10th week, respectively.
Significantly lowest aphid plant-1 (0.91) was recorded on 11-January followed by 28-
March (1.00 aphid plant-1), and 18-January (1.67 aphid plant-1) with no significant

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difference. The interaction effect of weeks x varieties was significant. Population of aphids
was low during mid-weeks of January and starts building up rapidly in the last weeks of
February. Statistically minimum aphids plant-1 was recorded from the interaction effect of
wheat varieties such as Pirsabak-2019 and Attahabib-10 with first week (11-Jan), (18-
March) and25-Jan x Pirsabak-2019 with no significant difference, while significantly
maximum aphid plant-1 (175.33) was recorded from the interaction of 9th week with
Khyber-87 variety followed by the interaction of 8th week x Khyber-87 and 9th week x
Uqab with 150.90 and 94.19 aphids plant-1, respectively. After 10th week, a sharp decline
was observed in aphid population; however the overall seasonal aphid population trend
shows that wheat aphid significantly preferred Khyber-87 variety in the last weeks of
February and first weeks of March.

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Table 3: Mean population trend of wheat aphids (Schizaphis graminum R.) on

four wheat varieties sown on 16thNovember, during 2021.

S. No. Weeks Wheat Varieties Mean

Khyber-87 Uqab Attahabib-10 Pirsabak-2019
1 11-Jan 1.73 wxy 1.91 vwxy 0.00 y 0.00 y 0.91 i
2 18-Jan 3.74 stuvwx 2.02 vwxy 0.83 xy 0.00 y 1.67 i
3 25-Jan 7.14 qrs 3.86 1.96 vwxy 0.92 wxy 3.47
rstuvwx h
4 01-Feb 18.93 kl 8.41 pq 3.48 tuwxy 2.38 vwxy 8.30
g
5 08-Feb 22.41 jk 11.31 op 6.23 qrstu 4.37 rstuvw 11.08
f
6 15-Feb 40.71 g 20.20 jkl 12.61 no 6.92 qrst 20.11
d
7 21-Feb 84.06 d 41.31 g 14.97 mn 7.09 qrs 36.85
c
8 28-Feb 150.90 b 76.22 e 31.75 hi 17.32 lm 69.05
b
9 07-Mar 175.33 a 94.19 c 65.65 f 29.08 i 91.06
a
10 14-Mar 76.55 e 39.24 g 23.51 j 7.36 qr 36.67
c
11 21-Mar 34.33 h 11.71 nop 5.38 qrstuv 2.73 uvwxy 13.54
e
12 28-Mar 3.16 uvwxy 0.83 xy 0.00 y 0.00 y 1.00 i
Mean 51.58 a 25.93 b 13.87 c 6.51 d
Mean with different letters are significantly different at P≤ 0.05

LSD value for Varieties at p ≤ 0.05 = 1.0140

LSD value for Week at p ≤ 0.05= 1.75
LSD value for interactions at p ≤ 0.05 = 3.5127

Comparison of Yield kg ha-1 of four different wheat varieties sown on three different
dates
The analysis of variance for yield kg ha-1 revealed significant effect (P<0.05) because of
different wheat varieties and sowing dates. Data regarding the yield on four distinct
varieties of wheat sown on different dates are given in Table 4. Among all the tested wheat
varieties, mean values for varieties revealed significant difference as well as sowing dates.
Significantly maximum yield (3158 kg ha-1) was obtained from Pirsabak-2019, followed
by Attahabib-10 (2821 kg ha-1) and Uqab (2571 kg ha-1), respectively. However,

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significantly minimum yield was obtained from Khyber-87 variety with 2327 kg ha-1,
similarly, among sowing dates, significantly maximum yield (2796 kg ha-1) was recorded
from first Sowing date 1 (26th Oct) while significantly lowest yield (2667 kg ha-1) was
recorded from sowing date 3 (16th Nov). The interaction effect of sowing dates x varieties
was significant. Significantly highest yield (3256kg ha-1) was recorded from the interaction
effect of Pirsabak-2019 with 1st sowing date followed by Pirsabak-2019 x 2nd sowing date
and Pirsabak-2019 x 3rd sowing date with 3113 and 3107 kg ha-1, respectively, although
no significant difference was observed among these interactions. Statistically lowest yield
(2276 kg ha-1) was obtained from the interaction effect of Khyber-87 with 3rd sowing date
followed by the interaction effect of Khyber-87 x 2nd sowing date and Khyber-87 x 1st
sowing date with 2314 and 2391 yield kg ha-1, respectively.

Table 4: Comparison of yield kg ha-1 of four different wheat varieties sown on

three different dates.

Treatmen Sowing Dates Mea

ts n
26th Oct (1st) 6th Nov (2nd) 16th Nov (3rd)
Khyber-87 2391 g 2314 gh 2276h 2327
(V1) d
Uqab (V2) 2631 e 2570 ef 2513 f 2571
c
Attahabib-10 2905 c 2788 d 2771 d 2821
(V3) b
Pirsabak-2019 3256 a 3113 b 3107 b 3158
(V4) a
Mean 2796 a 2695b 2667b

Mean with different letters are significantly different at P≤ 0.05

LSD value for Varieties at p ≤ 0.05 = 55.818

LSD value for Sowing Dates at p ≤ 0.05= 48.340
LSD value for interactions at p ≤ 0.05 = 96.680
Efficacy of various botanicals and Imidacloprid on the population density of wheat
aphids (Schizaphis graminum R.) on wheat crop
A significant effect (P< 0.05) was found in the analysis of variance for the mean population
density of wheat aphids (Schizaphis graminum R.) owing to different botanicals and
imidacloprid. In Table 5, information is provided about the effectiveness of various
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botanicals extracts and the insecticide imidacloprid on the mean population density of
wheat aphids (Schizaphis graminum R.) on wheat crops. Among all the tested botanicals
and Imidacloprid, mean values for population density of aphid revealed significant
difference. Significantly minimum mean aphid population density (1.53 aphid plant-1) was
recorded from Imidacloprid treated plot, followed by Neem seed extract (13.78 aphid
plant-1) and Garlic extract (19.14 aphid plant-1), respectively. However, significantly
maximum mean aphid population density (41.91 aphid plant-1) was recorded from Control
followed by Aloe vera extract with 22.79 aphid plant-1. Mean values for aphid population
density per plant-1during post treatment time interval also expressed considerable
differences. Significantly minimum mean population density (14.18 aphid plant-1) was
recorded 24 hours post treatment followed by 48 hours (16.50 aphid plant-1) and 72 hours
(20.47 aphid plant-1), respectively, however, significantly maximum mean population
density of aphid plant-1 was recorded 7 days’ post treatment with 24.80 aphid plant-1,
respectively. The interaction effect of time interval x treatments was significant.
Significantly lowest population density was recorded during 24hrs (1.80 aphid plant-1),
48hrs (1.86 aphid plant-1), 72hrs (2.14 aphid plant-1) and 7 days (3.34 aphid plant-1) from
the plants treated with Imidacloprid followed by Neem seed extract (5.97 aphid plant-1) 24
hours post treatment time interval.In comparison with all treated plant, statistically highest
population density of aphids during post treatment time interval was recorded from control
(Untreated plants), such as maximum population density was recorded 7 days post
treatment (46.44 aphid plant-1) followed by 72hrs (43.67 aphid plant-1), respectively.
Untreated control plant was followed by Aloe vera treated plant with 31.70 aphid plant-1 7
days’ post treatment.

Table 5: Efficacy of various botanicals and Imidacloprid on the population

density of wheat aphids (Schizaphis graminum R.)on wheat crop

Treatme Time Interval Me

nts an
24 hrs 48 hrs 72 hrs 7 days
Neem 5.97 l 8.11 k 11.03 j 16.01 i 13.7
seed 8d
extract
(T1)

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Garlic 12.20 j 15.01 i 21.80 h 27.55 f 19.1

extract 4c
(T2)
Aloe vera 15.61 i 19.13 h 24.72 g 31.70 e 22.7
extract 9b
(T3)
Imidaclop 1.80 n 1.86 n 2.14 n 3.34 m 2.28
rid (T4) e
Control 37.32 d 40.41 c 43.67 b 46.44 a 41.9
(T5) 1a
Mean 14.18 d 16.50 c 20.47 b 24.80 a

Mean with different letters are significantly different at P≤ 0.05

LSD value for Treatments at p ≤ 0.05 = 0.8489

LSD value for Time interval at p ≤ 0.05= 0.7593
LSD value for interactions at p ≤ 0.05 = 1.1178

Efficacy of botanicals and chemical against wheat aphid (Schizaphis graminum R.)
on yield kg ha-1 and thousand grain weights on wheat crop

The analysis of variance for yield and thousand grain weight displayed a substantial effect
(P<0.05) due to botanicals and Imidacloprid on wheat crop. Final results regarding the
efficacy of botanicals and Imidacloprid on the yield and thousand grains weight in wheat
crop are given in Table 6. Among the tested botanicals and Imidacloprid, mean values for
yield and thousand grains weight showed significant difference. Considerably minimum
yield (3332 kg ha-1) and thousand grains weight (53.37 gm) was noted from control
followed by plants treated with Aloe vera extract (3372 kg ha-1) (55.24 gm), respectively.
Significantly, maximum yield (3733 kg ha-1) and thousand grains weight (65.77 gm) was
recorded from Imidacloprid treated plant followed by Neem seed extract treated plants
with 3531 kg ha-1 yield and 61.44 grams thousand grains weight, respectively.

Table 6: Efficacy of botanicals and chemical against wheat aphid (Schizaphis

graminum R.) on yield kg ha-1 on wheat crop

Varieties Yield kg ha-1 Thousand Grain Weight

Neem seed extract (T1) 3531 b 61.44 b
Garlic extract (T2) 3425 c 58.56 c

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Aloe vera extract (T3) 3372 d 55.24 d

Imidacloprid (T4) 3733 a 65.77 a
Control (T5) 3332 e 53.37 e
LSD 58.432 2.2854

Mean with different letters are significantly different at P≤ 0.05

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Discussion

Our experimental trial contains two experiments; in the first experiment effect of several
sowing dates on the population trend of wheat aphids (Schizaphis graminum R.) in
different varieties of wheat were studied while in the second experiment the efficacy of
various bio pesticides and chemicals were tested against wheat aphids (Schizaphis
graminum R.) in various varieties of wheat during 2021-2022 in NDF Malakander, The
University of Agriculture Peshawar. Data on the aphid population trend on four wheat
types demonstrates that all wheat varieties were attacked by wheat aphids, however,
Pirsabak-2019 was comparatively resistant while Khyber-87 was highly susceptible
against wheat aphid. These results regarding Khyber-87 are in line with Inayatullah et al.
(1993) who tested 439 varieties and reported that Khyber-87 belongs to susceptible group
of wheat varieties. Similar results were also recorded by Zeb et al. (2011) who stated that
highest yield (3048 kg ha-1) and lowest aphid population was observed from Pirsabak-
2019 variety, while lowest yield and highest aphid population density was recorded from
Khyber-87 wheat variety. Our results regarding Pirsabak-2019 was not in conformity with
Ali et al. (2015) who tested wheat varieties against wheat aphids and revealed Pirabak-
2004 as susceptible variety. Iqbal et al. (2008) reported that Uqab variety of wheat is
neither highly resistant nor highly susceptible, which are in agreement with our results and
similar results regarding Uqab variety was also reported by Saleem et al. (2009). Our
results show that aphid infestation started in mid-December and first week of January;
these results are in agreement with Rustamani et al. (1999) who stated that aphid
infestation started in the mid-weeks of December. Ahmad and Nasir (2001) reported
similar outcomes and claimed that aphid population begins initially in the first week of
January and peaked on 19th February, these results are in line with our results. However,
it was reported by Aheer et al. (2007) that several abiotic factors such as temperature,
humidity and rainfall plays a vital role in the population fluctuation of wheat aphid. Feng
et al. (1992) have also observed the fluctuation in aphid population from one year to
another. Biological and physical factors are the main cause of aphid population fluctuation
and its densities on various varieties (Akhtar et al. 2009). The climatic conditions, natural
enemies, host plant quality and agronomic practices affect the population dynamic of
aphids (Brewer and Elliot, 2004), as well as the seasonal dynamics of aphid is also affected
significantly by the morphological characters of plants (Markova and Tomchev, 2013).
Our results regarding the use of botanicals and chemical shows that chemical control

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(Imidacloprid) is the most effective treatment all tested treatments, as similar effectiveness
of chemical was also reported by Khattak et al. (2007) who stated that chemical application
reduces the aphid population significantly. Wains et al. (2010) reported that Imidacloprid
is the most effective treatment against aphids by reducing the aphid population to almost
zero level as the efficacy of chemical is almost 99% as compared to untreated control. Our
results regarding efficacy of botanicals are in line with Mansoor et al. (2005) that plant
extracts possess insecticidal properties such as repellent, antifeedant and killer as well as
not hazardous for environment and human health. Ullah et al. (2022) who evaluated the
efficacy of neem oil and reported that neem oil is effective against various insect pests due
to the presence of a compound called Azadirachtin, this compound can act as antifeedant,
sterilant and growth regulator against insect pest of various crops. Shah et al. (2017) tested
efficacy of Imidacloprid, Neem seed extract and Moringa leaf extract and revealed that
The most effective treatment for aphids was discovered to be imidacloprid, followed by
neem seed extract, same results were also reported by Dougoud et al. (2019). Anwar et al.
(2017) also revealed the efficacy of garlic extract against various insect pest of wheat crop
due to presence of sulphur atoms in the form of thiosulfinates and disulfinates. Results
regarding yield shows that aphid can cause serious damages to wheat which results in
production losses, similar results were also recorded by Khan (2000) and Imran (2001)
who reported the losses in yield due to wheat aphids in different areas of Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa. Khan et al. (2006) evaluated the yield of several wheat varieties and
revealed that Pirsabak-2019 gives significantly highest yield as compared to other wheat
varieties. In our second experiment, it was recorded that yield and its components increases
due to the application of botanicals and chemical; same results were also reported by
Shahzad et al. (2013) that post spray, thousand grain weight and yield were significantly
increased. Our results regarding yield are also in line with Zeb et al. (2011) who stated
that significantly highest yield was recorded from Pirsabak-2019 while significantly
lowest yield was recorded from Khyber-87 variety.

Conclusions and Recommendations

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Pirsabak-2019 proved comparatively better variety as compared to Attahabib-10, Uqab and

Khyber-87, as significantly lowest mean population of wheat aphids (Schizaphis graminum
R.) with maximum yield. In term of chemical, Imidacloprid is better as compared to
botanicals (Neem oil, Garlic Extract, Aleovera extract) as it reduced wheat aphid (Schizaphis
graminum R.) population significantly and results in highest yield as compared to other
treatments. Thus, Pirsabak-2019 is recommended as better wheat variety against wheat aphid
(Schizaphis graminum R.) and Imidacloprid treatment is recommended for the effective
control against wheat aphid infestation.

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