Influence of Temperature on Population Development of Two Color Morphs of the Tobacco Aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) on Flue-Cured Tobacco

Tests were conducted at seven constant temperature regimes in controlled environmental chambers to compare population growth parameters of red and green morphs of the tobacco aphid, Myzus nicotianae Blackman. The optimal temperature for population development of both color morphs was 25°C. At 25°C and above, the red morph had three advantages over the green; most striking was the ability to survive to reproductive age. The red morph also developed faster and was more fecund than the green. Although neither morph reproduced at 32°C, longevity of the red morph was 120% greater. Results of this study may help to explain the disproportionate development of populations of the red morph in the field.