Ovariole number and fecundity for the two emigrating generations of the bird cherry‐oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi) in Sweden

Abstract. 1. The number of ovarioles and the potential fecundity in first (fundatrigenia) and second generation emigrants of Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) was investigated. 2. The relationships between weight and host quality on ovariole number were investigated. 3. The first generation of emigrants had a greater number of ovarioles and a higher fecundity than the second. 4. There was a positive relationship between ovariole number and weight. 5. The number of ovarioles and weight decreased with decreasing host quality. 6. The results do not agree with a recently proposed reproductive strategy of aphids where the number of ovarioles are supposed to be independent of weight and host quality. 7. In years with a high initial population on bird cherry, the migration to grasses, e.g. cereals, will be earlier, probably larger and, to a greater extent, consists of aphids which have a higher reproductive rate than in years with a small initial number on bird cherry.