Ecology and Diversity of Aphids: A Review

Plant lices are tiny, soft-bodied arthropod insects which feed on sap of plants. Aphids are another name for these insects. They are members of the Aphidinae subfamily. Aphids fall into 60 genera and have roughly 400 species globally. In India, there are 25 genera with 125 species of aphids, while Uttarakhand (plains to very high altitudes) has 4 genera with 125 species of aphids. There are 65 different types of aphids, with the genus Aphidius having the most species overall. Aphids are greatly harming horticulture fruits and vegetables as well as agricultural crops. Temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions affect its outbreak. Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied, viviparous, parasitic insects that lack wings and have wax secreting tubes on their abdomens. They can stunt plant growth, create plant galls, spread viral diseases to plants, and deform leaves, buds, and flowers. They have an impact on both plants, such as roses, lilies, and marigolds, as well as fruits and vegetables including mustard, cabbage, peas, potatoes, and beans. The mountainous area lacks data on the variety, ecology, and inventory of aphids. So an effort has been made to review the aphids diversity in India.