D.N. Raychaudhuri

Bio: D.N. Raychaudhuri is an academic researcher from University of Calcutta. The author has contributed to research in topics: Aphididae & Genus. The author has an hindex of 10, co-authored 27 publications receiving 209 citations.

Studies on the aphids (Homoptera : Aphididae) from eastern India

Abstract: Extensive collections of aphids from cultivated and wild plants of North Bengal and Sikkim reveal ten new species and subspecies : Akkaia neopolygoni, Aulacorthum rhamni, Greenidea longicornis, Macrosiphum spinotibium, Macrosiphum (Sitobion) plectranthi, Megalophyllaphis obscura, gen. et spec, nov., Megoura cajanae, Neoacyrthostphon rhododendri, Neoacyrthosiphon taiheisanum ovalifolii and Tinocallis distincta. Besides, five new records of aphids from India and apterous ovipara of Megoura cajanae are also described. The status of Sitobion indicum Basu 1964 is discussed.

Aphids (Homoptera : Aphididae) from Sundardhunga Valley, Kumaon Himalaya, India

Abstract: This paper provides a list of 48 species of aphids collected during an expedition to Sundardhunga Valley in the Almora district of Uttar Pradesh, India and contains descriptions of 2 new species, viz., Eriosoma iongipllosum and Masonaphis (Neomasonaphis) rumicis, and descriptions of some undescribcd morphs of 7 species. Further, 3 species are reported for the first time from India.

A new genus, a new species and further records of aphids (homoptera: Aphididae) from the kumaon hills, northwest himalaya, india

Abstract: A new genus Indoidiopterus, with Capitophorus geranii Chowdhuri et al., as the type-species, and a new species, Eutrichosiphum pyri are described. Twenty-eight other species are reported as new records for the region. These include Dysaphis foeniculus (Theobald), Pleotrichophorus glandulosus (Kaltenbach), Thuleaphis ? amygdalinus (Schouteden), which are recorded for the first time from India. The hitherto undescribed alate viviparous females of Impatientinum impatiense dalhousiensis Verma and the apterous viviparous females of Periphyllus aesculi Hills Ris Lambers are also recorded.

Heritable genetic variation and potential for adaptive evolution in asexual aphids (Aphidoidea)

Abstract: Aphid life cycles can encompass cyclical parthenogenesis, obligate parthenogenesis, obligate parthenogenesis with male production and an intermediate 'bet-hedging' strategy where an aphid genotype will over-winter by continuing to reproduce by parthenogenesis and by investment in sexually produced eggs. In this paper, we focus on aphid lineages that reproduce entirely parthenogenetically (asexual aphids), in contrast to those that have any sexual forms in the annual cycle. Using modern molecular techniques, aphid biologists have made many empirical observations showing that asexual lineages are widespread both geographically and temporally. Indeed, we are collectively beginning to gather data on the evolution and persistence of these lineages through time. Here we review aphid karyology and parthenogenesis, both essential for interpretation of the molecular and ecological evolution of aphid asexual lineages. We describe the growing list of studies that have identified aphid genotypes that are both temporally and geographically widespread. We then collate examples of molecular and chromosomal evolution in asexual aphids and review the literature pertaining to phenotypic evolution and ecological diversification of asexual aphid lineages. In addition, we briefly discuss the potential of bacterial endosyinbionts and epigenetic effects to influence the evolution of asexual aphid lineages. Lastly we provide a list of aphid taxa believed to be obligately asexual. This will be a useful resource for those seeking parthenogenetic animals as study systems. In conclusion, we present guidelines for the use of the term clone in aphid biology and stress the need for well-designed and well-executed studies examining the potential of asexual aphid lineages for adaptive evolution.

Some new synonyms in Aphididae (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha)

Abstract: A total of 14 genus and 108 species synonyms in family Aphididae are listed with explanations and comments. Synonyms involving aphid names in the economic literature include: Acyrthosiphon bidentis Eastop 1953 = Acyrthosiphon ilka Mordvilko 1914; Aphidura mingens Pintera 1970 = Aphidura picta Hille Ris Lambers 1956; Aphis armoraciae Cowan 1895, Aphis maidiradicis Forbes 1891 and Aphis menthaeradicis Cowan 1895 = Aphis (Protaphis) middletonii Thomas 1879; Diuraphis ( Holcaphis ) agropyronophaga Zhang, 1991 = Diuraphis ( Holcaphis ) tritici (Gillette, 1911); Sitobion chanikiwiti (Eastop 1959) and Sitobion howlandae (Eastop 1959) = Sitobion leelamaniae (David 1958). An annotated list of 36 other proposed nomenclatural changes is provided.

The sugarcane woolly aphid, Ceratovacuna lanigera Zehntner (Hemiptera: Aphididae): its biology, pest status and control

Abstract: Sugarcane woolly aphid, Ceratovacuna lanigera Zehntner has been recently reported in outbreak proportions from western and southern India. Though the pest was first reported from West Bengal in 1958 and later from other parts of Northeast India, it had not made its way to other parts of India. The pest breeds on plants of the family Poaceae, but has been also observed on members of Bixaceae, Theaceae and Combretaceae. It has been recorded on ten species of plants in India. It reproduces parthenogenetically and has an anholocyclic (absence of sexually producing generation) life cycle. Thirty-eight natural enemies have been recorded on the aphid from different parts of the world. Recent surveys in the pest-affected areas of Maharashtra (western India) and Karnataka (southern India) have yielded several indigenous predators which include coccinellids, neuropterans, syrphids and a pyralid. Integrated pest management involving mainly mechanical and biological control appears to be the best option. There is ample scope for more directed work on this important emerging pest, especially in the areas of pest ecology and distribution. The role of resistant varieties, and biological, cultural and mechanical control in managing the pest needs to be carefully evaluated.