Abstract: The effect of low level SO₂ pollution on aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) was examined with the insects reared on rape leaves exposed to 40 or 80 ppb of SO₂. Compared to those of the aphids fed on leaves fumigated with charcoal-filtered air, nymphs of treated groups developed more faster, their mean relative growth rate (MRGR) in5 days increased by 22.3% and 31.5%, respectively, and the fecundity of adult aphids by 40—90%, resulting in mean elevation of 17% and 27% respectively in intrinsic rate of population increase (r_m). The sensibility of M. persicae and other species of aphids to SO₂ pollution is compared, and the mechanism with which low dose of SO₂ pollution stimulated the growth of certain species of phytophagous insects is suggested.

Key words: Air pollution, SO₂, Rape plant, Myzus persicae