Tolerance to nymphs and adults of Mahanarva spectabilis (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) by forage plants in fertilized soils

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Several factors may degrade pastures, in particular, inadequate nutrient application and spittlebug attacks. Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant, 1909) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae), one of the species that occur in Brazil, is a limiting pest in forage production. This study analyzes the influence of fertilization with the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) on the survival of M. spectabilis nymphs, and the effects of damage by nymphs and adults on the production, quality and regrowth capacity of the forages Brachiaria ruziziensis, Pennisetum purpureum and Digitaria sp. RESULTS: Fertilization of the forages differentially affected damage due to spittlebug herbivory. Attacks by nymphs and adults decreased chlorophyll content, plant regrowth and forage quality, and increased injury, regardless of fertilization. The availability of nutrients in the soil not only decreased fiber content, but also increased crude protein, chlorophyll content and regrowth, even when pest infested. Soil fertilization increased the capacity of forage plants to lessen, albeit not eliminate, the effects of injury by M. spectabilis. CONCLUSION: Forages in fertilized soil are more tolerant to attacks by M. spectabilis nymphs and adults.

Interactive effects of herbivory and the level and fluctuations of nutrient availability on dominance of alien plants in synthetic native communities

“…S4c). This seems inconsistent with previous findings that plants compensate or tolerate herbivory more when growing in high nutrient conditions [31,32,[48][49][50][51]. However, it should be noted that in our experiment, the herbivores could choose between the plants.…”

“…S4c). This seems inconsistent with previous findings that plants compensate or tolerate herbivory more when growing in high nutrient conditions (Meyer 2000, Hawkes and Sullivan 2001, Alvarenga et al 2019, Garcia and Eubanks 2019, Getman-Pickering et al 2021, Zhong et al 2021). However, it should be noted that in our experiment, the herbivores could choose between the plants.…”

Elephantgrass, a tropical grass for cutting and grazing

“…According to Valério (2009), the spittlebug attack contributes to pasture degradation impacting the nutritional status of the plant and the potential of regrowth at different harvest management. It has been reported that wellestablished and fertilized pastures managed under proper management conditions, show greater tolerance to attack by Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant) (Alvarenga et al, 2019).…”

Olfactory Response of Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant, 1909) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) to Volatile Aqueous Extracts of Plant Origin Applied to Elephant Grass Plants (Pennisetum purpureum Schum)

“…Spittlebug management strategies must be used together so that the control of this pest is sustainable and efficient. Among the management strategies used in Brazil, we highlight the diversification of pastures [13], chemical control [14], biological control [15,16], and the use of resistant plants [17]. The use of insecticides and botanical repellents is a widespread strategy, and studies of this nature are necessary for the management of forage pests.…”