Abstract: 【Aim】 The tobacco aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) is an important pest found on cultivated crops across the world. This study aims to evaluate the effects of brief exposure to high temperatures on the development, reproduction, and feeding behavior of M. persicae.【Methods】Nymphs and adults of M. persicae were exposed to high temperatures of 30, 35 and 40℃ for 1, 2 and 4 h every day, and the developmental duration and fecundity were measured. The electronic penetration graph (EPG) technique was used to record the feeding behavior after the adults were exposed to high temperatures of 30℃ and 35℃ for 1 and 2 h as well as at constant temperatures of 25, 28, 30 and 35℃. 【Results】 Brief exposure to high temperatures of 30-35℃ had little effect on the nymphal duration. However, the developmental duration was significantly prolonged after the nymphs were exposed to a high temperature of 40℃ for 2 h (P<0.01). The decrease in the survival rate of the nymphs, adult longevity and duration of reproduction of adults was proportional to both temperature and exposure duration. The reproduction rate was little influenced at 25-35℃ with the increase of temperature and duration of exposure, while significantly decreased at the high temperature of 40℃ for 2 and 4 h (P<0.01). Brief exposure to high temperatures had a significant effect on feeding behavior. After brief exposure to high temperatures, the number (P<0.05) and total duration (P<0.01) of nonprobing waveform (np) significantly decreased while the total duration of phloem waveform (E) significantly increased (P<0.05) with an increase in temperature and exposure duration. However, the number and total duration of np decreased initially and then increased, while that of E initially increased and then decreased with an increase in temperature under constant temperature conditions【Conclusion】Brief exposure to high temperatures has no significant effect on the developmental rate of M. persicae nymphs. However, the survival rate of nymphs, adult longevity and duration of reproduction of adults decreased after brief exposure to high temperatures. In addition, brief exposure to high temperature plays a role in inhibiting the reproduction of M. persicae adults, and promoting their feeding behavior. These results will aid in understanding the mechanisms underlying changes in M. persicae populations in summer between different years.

Key words: Myzus persicae, brief exposure to high temperature, development, reproduction, electronic penetration graph (EPG), feeding behavior