A CATALOGUE OF TRI-TROPHIC ASSOCIATION OF APHID PARASITOIDS IN UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

A comprehensive synthesis of tri-trophic associations involving aphids, their parasitoids and host plants was compiled for Uttar Pradesh, India, based on published records. The checklist documents parasitoids belonging to two families, Aphelinidae and Braconidae (Aphidiinae), comprising 7 species of Aphelinidae and 21 species of Aphidiinae, associated with a wide diversity of aphid hosts and plant taxa. In total, the associations encompass 33 agriculturally important aphid pests, including Aphis craccivora, Aphis gossypii, Aphis fabae, Lipaphis erysimi, Melanaphis sacchari, Myzus persicae, Rhopalosiphum maidis, Sitobion avenae and Sitobion miscanthi, infesting 74 species of cereals, oilseeds, pulses, vegetables, fruit crops, ornamentals and weeds forming 205 tri-trophic associations. Parasitoid genera such as Aphelinus, Aphidius, Binodoxys, Diaeretiella, Lipolexis, Lysiphlebia and Ephedrus emerged as key natural enemies with broad or crop-specific host ranges. The data reveal pronounced host specificity in several parasitoids, particularly within defined host-plant contexts, underscoring the structured and region-specific nature of aphid–parasitoid interactions. This consolidated checklist provides baseline information on species diversity, host associations and trophic linkages, highlighting dominant natural regulators of aphid populations in the region. The synthesis is expected to support biodiversity assessments, ecological studies; development of regionally adapted conservation and biological control strategies within IPM programmes in Uttar Pradesh.