The age of tomato plants affects the development of Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas, 1878) (Hemiptera) colonies

We tested the hypothesis that intensity and duration of Macrosiphum euphorbiae infestations in tomato depend on both age (phenological stage) host plant initial number aphids present colony. compared effects three levels infestation two phenological stages (pre-flowering flowering stages) curves. The position peak over time was significantly affected by phase. Populations M. reached highest abundance plants infested at pre-flowering stage to those subsequently infested. Within a phase, maximum also varied according aphid density plant. implications concerning management pest field are briefly discussed