Winged adults are developed in response to high population densities, decline of the host plant, and changes in environmental conditions. Winged individuals may be of either color form. Each unmated female may give birth to 50 or more active nymphs within 2 weeks. A generation develops on potato every 2 or 3 weeks. The wingless aphids tend to fall to the ground when the plant is disturbed.
Winged individuals disperse readily between crops.
When population densities are high, winged individuals are produced. These individuals emigrate to new hosts. There are several factors that naturally control aphid populations. They feel this resistance may be passed on through selective breeding to the modern crisphead variety Marbello which is a cross of crisphead and butterhead lettuces. Users should carefully consider the use of soaps.