Host plants of Aphis gossypii (Aphididae), a virus vector for the cantoloupe Cucumis melo (Cucurbitaceae) in Costa Rica

Plant species associated with commercial melon crops and surrounding areas were examined to identity the natural host plants of Aphis gossypii Glover. The study was conducted in two farms located in different melon production areas and plant life zones of Costa Rica. Plant species diversity, percent coverage and distribution over time were recorded during one year. Differe nces between locations were observed. A total of 86 plant species (49 famil ies) and 72 plant species (40 families) were identified associated to the c rop in farms A and B, respectively. In both farms a total of 24 species pla nts (16 families) were colonized by A. gossypii and 16 (10 families) are ne w reports of host plant species for this aphid. The new reports are: Justic ia comata, Tetramerium nervosum, Alternanthera pubiflora, Cassia massoni, C . reticulata, Cleome viscosa, C spinosa, Croton argenteus, Caperonia palust ris, Chamaesyce gyssopilopia, Phyllantus amarus, Sida decumbens, Ludwigia e recta, Passiflora foetida, Guazuma ulmifolia and Corchorus orinocensis.