Biological insecticide is up to 85% efficient in controlling corn leafhopper

Climatic conditions and history in previous seasons indicate that the incidence of the corn leafhopper should be high in corn second harvest 2020/21, which should begin to be planted in January of next year. Infestations in the summer harvest tend to be smaller, but this is when the leafhoppers multiply, only to attack later. Therefore, now is the ideal time to plan insect control, preferably with integrated pest management.

According to Embrapa Cerrados researcher Sergio Abud da Silva, several actions are necessary to reduce the incidence of this pest and the corn stunting diseases that it transmits, such as: crop rotation, use of certified and treated seeds, maintenance of sowing windows of 20 to 30 days, diversification of cultivars and application of insecticides, among others.

The biological insecticide Octane (Isaria fumosorosea) is indicated for the management of the corn leafhopper as it has a prolonged action in the field, with a good residual, with more chances of reaching migratory insects, in addition to not causing resistance in the pest. “The results are excellent, with up to 85% efficiency in controlling the leafhopper”, advises Koppert's Central-South sales manager, Rodrigo Rodrigues.

For Abud Silva, it is important to highlight that the use of biological insecticides in combination with chemical ones provides the immediate shock effect of chemical control and the residual effect of biological control, expanding the insect vector management action. “Also remember that after the application of insecticides, monitoring must continue to prevent reinfestation of the area with leafhoppers”, he advises.

According to the researcher, the scenario of internal and external demand for Brazilian cereal led Brazil to produce two and even three annual harvests of the grain in different regions. “Whether cultivated or tiguera (volunteer), the constant presence of corn in the field creates a favorable environment for the increase in corn leafhopper populations and the complex of stunt diseases, which can cause a reduction of up to 100% in the plant’s production. infected. In areas with high incidence, productivity losses can be greater than 70%”, explains Abud da Silva.

Monitoring actions carried out by companies associated with CropLife Brasil show that the occurrence of stunting and population levels of the corn leafhopper increased in several Brazilian states, mainly from the 2015/16 harvest onwards. The largest outbreaks were identified in regions of Bahia, Goiás, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Mato Grosso do Sul and Paraná.