Integrating demographic characteristics, settling preference, and field investigation for resistance evaluation of four potato cultivars to <scp> <i>Myzus persicae</i> </scp>

Abstract BACKGROUND Myzus persicae is one of the most common potato pests. We evaluated the resistance of four potato ( Solanum tubersum ) cultivars (Evely Lucette, Burbank, Innovator, and Lucinda V7) to M. persicae by linking the age‐stage two‐sex life table, computer simulation, settling preference, and field investigation. RESULTS Myzus persicae exhibited significantly shorter pre‐adult developmental duration and total pre‐reproductive period, and significantly higher fecundity () when reared on Evely Lucette compared to other cultivars. The pre‐adult survival rate () was significantly higher on Evely Lucette than on Lucinda V7. The significantly highest net reproductive rate (), intrinsic rate of increase (), and finite rate of increase () occurred on Evely Lucette, while the lowest occurred on Lucinda V7. Population projection showed a larger population size and faster stage growth rate of M. persicae on Evely Lucette than on Lucinda V7 within 60 days. Compared to other cultivars, M. persicae did not reach a stable age‐stage distribution on Lucinda V7 during 60‐day periods. Furthermore, the settling preference showed that the number of aphids on Evely Lucette was significantly higher than that on Lucinda V7. Field investigations also showed that the population density of M. persicae on Evely Lucette was significantly higher than that on Lucinda V7 during the entire potato‐growing season. CONCLUSION These results indicate that Evely Lucette is a suitable host for the M. persicae population, whereas Lucinda V7 showed relatively higher resistance, mainly supported by demographic data and reduced settling compared with Evely Lucette. These findings provide useful information for screening aphid‐resistant potato cultivars and formulating effective management strategies for potato aphids. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.