ASEPTIC DUAL CULTURE OF THE APHID CHAITOPHORUS-SALIJAPONICUS WITH DIFFERENT TISSUES OF SALIX HOSTS

The apterous generation of the viviparous aphid Chaitophorus salijapon icus was propagated aseptically on in vitro cultures of host shoots fo r more than 34 passages and 17 months. On the best suited host (Salix alba) a single nymph yielded a colony of 126.3 +/- 24.4 individuals wi thin 4 weeks. Other tissues than normal host hoots (callus, root cultu res, fasciated shoots) did not support aphid propagation. Aphid colony development accelerated the senescence of host shoots and severely in hibited the development of adventitious root systems. The aspects of i nsect surface sterility, aphid colony development and its influence on the host are discussed.