Abstract
The rice-root aphid, Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale (Sasaki) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a polyphagous species with a worldwide distribution. In June 2020, colonies of Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale were observed on the roots of wheat in the region of Pernik, the village of Batanovci, Bulgaria. The damage is caused by the nymphs and the adults while sucking plant sap from the roots and producing honeydew. The damaged plants have a yellowish colour, retarded growth and aphid colonies present on the roots. High densities cause wilting of the whole plant and result in its death. This is the first record of the presence of Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale on wheat roots in Bulgaria.
Keywords: Rice-root aphid, Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale, wheat, damage.