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VOL. 11, ISSUE 3 (2026)
Annotated checklist of aphid parasitoids of the leaf-curling plum aphid Brachycaudus helichrysi (Kaltenbach, 1843) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and their distribution in India
Authors
Rajendra Singh, Suresh Kumar Kol, Yogendra Kumar Payasi
Abstract
Brachycaudus helichrysi
(Kaltenbach) is an economically important aphid infesting numerous cultivated
and wild plants in India. The present study compiles the first comprehensive
checklist of its parasitoids, host plant associations, and geographical
distribution in the country. A total of 21 parasitoid species belonging to
Aphelinidae and Braconidae were recorded parasitising Brachycaudus
helichrysi on 27 host plant species across 16 states and union territories.
Braconidae was the dominant family, represented by 19 species in 10 genera,
while Aphelinidae was represented by Aphelinus gossypii and Aphelinus
polaszeki. Aphidius matricariae exhibited the widest host range and
distribution, whereas A. gossypii showed the broadest geographical
occurrence but was restricted to peach. Host plants of Rosaceae, particularly Prunus
persica, Prunus amygdalus, Prunus domestica and Prunus
spp., supported the richest parasitoid assemblages. Most tri-trophic
associations were recorded from Sikkim, Meghalaya, Jammu & Kashmir,
Uttarakhand and Manipur, highlighting the importance of the Himalayan region as
a centre of parasitoid diversity. The uneven distribution of records among
states indicates substantial survey gaps and suggests that the parasitoid fauna
of Brachycaudus helichrysi remains inadequately documented in many parts
of India. The checklist provides a baseline for future studies on
aphid–parasitoid interactions and biological control.
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Pages:47-52
How to cite this article:
Rajendra Singh, Suresh Kumar Kol, Yogendra Kumar Payasi "Annotated checklist of aphid parasitoids of the leaf-curling plum aphid <i>Brachycaudus</i> <i>helichrysi </i>(Kaltenbach, 1843) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and their distribution in India". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 11, Issue 3, 2026, Pages 47-52
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