{"id":107,"date":"2026-02-06T18:45:37","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T18:45:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/?p=107"},"modified":"2026-02-25T09:08:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T09:08:10","slug":"potato-and-tomato-aphid-macrosiphum-euphorbiae","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.coltivobio.com\/en\/potato-and-tomato-aphid-macrosiphum-euphorbiae\/","title":{"rendered":"Potato and tomato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae)"},"content":{"rendered":"

In this technical factsheet, we will explain how to identify and control infestations of the potato aphid, which mainly attacks tomato, potato, and pepper. The correct use of biological insecticides and natural control methods is also discussed.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Anyone who has grown tomatoes or potatoes is aware that these crops are susceptible to attack by an aphid scientifically known as Macrosiphum euphorbiae<\/em>. This aphid is commonly referred to as the potato aphid<\/strong>, solanaceous aphid<\/strong>, or large aphid<\/strong>. It can attack several plant species belonging to the Solanaceae<\/strong> family, including pepper, chili pepper, eggplant<\/strong>, and ornamental plants.<\/p>\n

\"Solanaceous
Figure 1 \u2013 Solanaceous aphid on tomato: note the green coloration and camouflage on the underside of the leaves<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The solanaceous aphid is typically green<\/strong>, allowing it to blend in with tomato and potato foliage (see Figure 1), although reddish individuals<\/strong> may also occur. This species includes both winged forms<\/strong>, reaching about 3.7 mm in length<\/strong>, and wingless forms<\/strong>, which can grow quite large\u2014up to 4\u20135 mm<\/strong> (hence the name \u201clarge aphid\u201d).<\/p>\n

Like all aphids, it has a cauda<\/strong> and two siphunculi<\/strong>, and its antennae are longer than the body<\/strong>. Damage is caused by aphid feeding on plant sap, which leads to plant weakening<\/strong> and the production of honeydew<\/strong>. When young shoots are attacked, they may become deformed and fail to develop properly<\/strong> (see Figure 2).<\/p>\n

In addition, Macrosiphum euphorbiae<\/em> is an important vector of plant viruses<\/strong>, transmitting several viruses to potato crops such as PVY (Potato virus Y)<\/strong>, PVA (Potato virus A)<\/strong>, and PVM (Potato virus M)<\/strong>, and to tomato crops such as CMV (Cucumber mosaic virus)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Macrosiphum
Figure 2 \u2013 Macrosiphum euphorbiae on chili pepper shoots: note the distorted growth of young leaves and their light green coloration.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Life cycle of the potato and tomato aphid<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The solanaceous aphid is present throughout the country, especially during the spring\u2013summer period<\/strong>. During winter, it can survive in greenhouses<\/strong>, but more commonly overwinters in small colonies on roses or other ornamental plants<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

With the arrival of warmer temperatures, overwintering individuals move onto solanaceous crops<\/strong>, particularly tomato and potato, where they continue their life cycle. This species reproduces mainly by parthenogenesis<\/strong> (without mating).
The optimal temperature for development is around 20 \u00b0C<\/strong>. As high summer temperatures set in and populations of natural enemies<\/strong> increase, Macrosiphum euphorbiae<\/em> on tomato and potato becomes less aggressive<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Biological control and natural remedies<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In professional agriculture, this aphid is effectively controlled using treatments based on azadirachtin<\/a><\/strong> and pyrethrum<\/a><\/strong>. These natural insecticides are generally sufficient to contain infestations of the solanaceous aphid on tomato and potato crops. Their effectiveness can be enhanced by adding white mineral oil<\/strong>, which has a suffocating effect<\/strong> on aphids.<\/p>\n

In home gardens or hobby farming, effective natural remedies include potassium soap (soft soap)<\/strong> mixed with vegetable oil<\/strong>. Pyrethrum can also be used as a natural control option in non-professional settings.<\/p>\n

If aphids have colonized the lower parts of the plant<\/strong>, care must be taken to thoroughly spray hidden areas and directly target the insects<\/strong>. In greenhouse conditions, beneficial insects<\/strong> can be released as a natural control strategy. In particular, Chrysoperla carnea<\/strong> and the parasitoid Aphidius ervi<\/strong> are effective against this aphid on tomato, pepper, and chili pepper crops.<\/p>\n

In open-field conditions, Macrosiphum euphorbiae<\/em> is naturally controlled by hoverfly larvae<\/strong> and lady beetles<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Useful websites: influentialpoints.com\/Gallery\/Macrosiphum_euphorbiae<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In this technical factsheet, we will explain how to identify and control infestations of the potato aphid, which mainly attacks tomato, potato, and pepper. The correct use of biological insecticides and natural control methods is also discussed. Description Anyone who has grown tomatoes or potatoes is aware that these crops are susceptible to attack by<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":7148,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-107","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-harmful-insects"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t