The impact of varying aphid populations in different shadehouse structures on some physical characteristics of head lettuce, cultivated in the central Free State (South Africa)

• Main Authors: Pretorius, R.J., Louw, S. vd M., Venter, P., Vd. Westhuizen, C
• Other Authors: Central University of Technology, Free State, Bloemfontein
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: Journal for New Generation Sciences, Vol 10, Issue 1: Central University of Technology, Free State, Bloemfontein 2015
• Subjects: Aphid feeding; Damage; Injury; Lettuce head weight
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11462/602

Published Article === Direct feeding damage to head lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) by varying aphid populations in two differently constructed shadehouse structures (fully- and partially covered) was examined. Fresh lettuce head weight, the number of lettuce leaves formed, and the number of lettuce leaves infested with aphids were compared between the two structures. Warmer months showed a significant lower fresh lettuce head weight in the fully covered structure with more aphid-infested leaves. During June/September, the mean number of aphid-infested leaves and aphid infestation levels were significantly higher in the partially covered structure. Visible feeding damage to the lettuce crop was restricted, but asymptomatic damage in terms of a decrease in head weight did occur under severe infestation levels.