The English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae : A new record from rice fields at Edfina, Beheria Governorate, Egypt

In 2023 rice season, it was observed that rice fields at Edfina region, Beheria Governorate sown with Super 300 variety had aphid infestation on their leaves. This was interesting as no literature reported this phenomenon in rice fields in Egypt. In 2024 and 2025 seasons continuous monitoring revealed that aphid infestations extended to Giza 177, Sakha 104 and Sakha 108 rice varieties. Insect specimens identified by “Department of Survey and Classification of Insects”, Plant Protection Research Institute, Dokki, Egypt, assured that the aphid species was Sitobion avenae (F): (Hemipera: Aphididae). The aphid appeared in very low populations at the beginning of the season up to mid-August. The population densities were highest throughput September up to mid-October, then the aphid densities were low by end of the season. Comparing to the other varieties, Super 300 rice variety was the highest susceptible to S. avenae. Both predators, Coccinella undecimpunctata and Reduvius pallipes were associated with S. avenae and exhibited high positively and significantly correlations with the aphid. This may be the first record that Sitobion avenae attacks rice fields in Egypt. Despite the infestations were low, except that on Super 300 rice variety, it is important to intensify the insect monitoring of the aphid on rice fields, particularly with dramatic changes in global climate.