The Population Abundance of Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Different Chilli (Capsicum annum) Planting Densities

The population abundance of aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover in different chilli, Capsicum annuum, planting densities (plant spacing) was assessed. Results indicated that aphid population (alate and apterous) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the dense planting than in the sparse chilli planting density. The mean total number of aphids per plant was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the lower portion of plant canopy than in the middle and upper portion of plant canopies of the 40 x 40 cm2 plant spacing only. Plant spacing of 60 x 60cm2 seemed to be the optimum plant density that could reduce aphid population.