OBSERVATIONS ON AN INFESTATION BY GREEN PEACH APHIDS (HOMOPTERA, APHIDIDAE) ON GREENHOUSE TOMATOES IN ITALY

The ecology and biology of green peach aphids, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), were studied on greenhouse tomatoes with the goals of learning more about the biology of the species in these conditions and of measuring parameters to implement a computer simulation that could be used in programs for resistance management. Control groups and groups of tomatoes ('Ausonio' and Acor') treated with deltamethrin were observed throughout the growing season, and selected plants were observed in detail. At weekly intervals, the following measurements were recorded: height of the plant, number of leaves and flower clusters, health condition, phenological phase of the plans, presence-absence of M. persicae (and if present, the numbers for each life stage on each leaf or flower bud), and the presence-absence of other parasitoids and predators. Although the trial demonstrated the efficacy of chemical treatments in reducing the number of aphids, the infestation did not seem to have consistent effects on fruit production.