Biology of Aphis gossypii Glover, on the Solanum melongena Aphid, and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Aphid

Aphis gossypii Glover, a species prevalent in the Tarai regions of Bareilly, holds significant economic importance and has garnered attention from researchers across disciplines. The inherent polymorphism of this aphid species indicates its ability to manifest diverse forms or morphs within its population. Aphids are recognized for their capacity to adapt morphologically in response to environmental factors such as predation pressure or the characteristics of their host plants. In this study, conducted under semi-natural conditions on both Hibiscus Flowering Plants and egg vegetable plants, several aspects of the biology of Aphis gossypii were investigated experimentally. The findings revealed that the maximum average fecundity during the reproductive period on Solanum melongena was 144-120 hrs on Hibiscus plants, whereas the average reproductive period extended to 240-216 hrs on Solanum melongena. Hibiscus, belonging to the mallow family, Malvaceae, encompasses a diverse range of species resident to hot temperate (subtropical and tropical) regions, particularly prevalent in the Tarai region of Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Notably, Hibiscus species are characterized by their large, vibrant flowers and are commonly referred to as “Hibiscus,” with alternative names including swamp mallow, hardy hibiscus, and Hibiscus syriacus.