Population development of Phorodon humuli and predators (Orius spp.) within hop cones: Influence of aphid density on hop quality

The price of hops in Spain is given per kilogram of dry product and according to their content of alpha-acids. If any aphids are noted inside cones there is a penalty of up to 10% of the dry weight. Experiments were performed in a hop garden in 2002, 2003 and 2004 to investigate population development of the damson-hop aphid, Phorodon humuli, and its natural enemies in hop (Humulus lupulus) cones. Furthermore, we investigated if the alpha-acid content was affected by aphid populations. Aphids were first observed within hop cones at the beginning of August and numbers rose sharply from mid- to late August onwards. Aphid infestation of cones reflected the numbers observed on foliage in July, with a greater population halfway up the bines (3 m height) than at the top (6 m height). The alpha-acid content of dried hops was unaffected by the aphid population on leaves, but aphid contamination reduced the economic value of the crop because of arbitrary commercial criteria related to the presence of aphids in cones. The hop aphid’s main natural enemies within cones were anthocorids, all belonging to the genus Orius. The anthocorid population in cones grew in tandem with the aphid population, suggesting that these predators are worthy of consideration in an integrated management approach.