The aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer, 1776) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is one of the main pests in a number of crops both under field and protected conditions. The objective of this work was to study the effect of temperature on longevity and reproductive parameters of M. persicae on eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). The experiment was carried out under controlled conditions of temperature (15, 20, 25 and 30°C), relative humidity (70 ± 10%) and photophase (12 hours). The experimental units consisted of Petri dishes containing agar-water (1%) solidified. Aphids were kept individually on leaf discs of eggplant (3 cm diameter) at each temperature, with 25 replicates. Curves more adjusted to the biological parameters of M. persicae, their regression equations and respective determination coefficients (R²) were determined. All biological parameters were affected by temperature. The prereproductive and reproductive periods of M. persicae varied from 0.46 day (25°C) to 1.12 day (15°C) and from 3.89 days (25°C) to 19.11 days (15°C), respectively. The total and daily fecundity was 17.63 and 4.38; 43.63 and 4.34; and 60.65 nymphs/female and 3.15 nymphs/female/day, respectively, at 25, 20 and 15°C. At 30°C there was no reproduction. The postreproductive period varied from 0.89 day (25°C) to 3.72 days (15°C). The longevity of the aphid decreased with the increase in temperature, from 23.95 days (15°C) to 5.06 days (25°C). Thus, temperatures between 15 and 20°C are more favorable to M. persicae.
Solanum melongena; aphid; biology; reproduction
