Population dynamics of aphids (Aphididae) on orange (Citrus sinensis ‘Thomson Navel’) and mandarin (Citrus reticulata ‘Blanco’)

Citrus fruits represent one of the most important fruit productions worldwide. However, they suffer from a numerous constraints. Aphids are among the causes of the decline in the production of citrus. In this study, the diversity of citrus aphids and their seasonal occurrence were explored on orange and mandarin, during 2012 and 2013, in an orchard located in Skikda province (Algeria). In total, six different aphid species were found during two years. The most common species was Aphis spiraecola Patch, 1914. Climatic conditions had an important role in the infestation level by aphids. There were changes of aphid dynamics between the two years of the investigation. No aphids was recorded in six months in 2012 (January, June, July, August, September and December) and in three months in 2013 (January, February and August). Besides, the number of identified aphid species increased from two to five. On the other hand, the orange trees seemed to be the most infested host species.