Abstract

DIAZ, Claudia N; LUFT ALBARRACIN, Erica  and  ALDERETE, Mariela. Oviposition preference of Peregrínus matáis (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) on different host plants. Rev. Soc. Entomol. Argent. [online]. 2016, vol.75, n.3-4, pp.139-146. ISSN 0373-5680.

The corn planthopper, Peregrinus maidis (Ashmead) is a species that has been recorded in most regions of the Tropics. It is associated to several crops of economical importance. In tropical America, the species is a vector of several viral diseases, mainly in maize, Zea mays L. The aim of this research is to evaluate the oviposition preference of P. maidis on different host plants, by means of a multiple choice test. In this study, four species of Poaceae, Z. mays, Brachiaria sp., Cynodon dactylon (L.) Person and Sorghum halepense (L.) Person, were offered. We found that P. maidis females are able to lay their eggs in all offered plant species, although they significantly preferred Johnsongrass, maize and Brachiaria (91% of cases). Moreover, a high percentage of plants without eggs were recorded, suggesting that P. maidis spends considerable time without ovipositing. Results are discussed in the context of P. maidis agroecological interactions in the crop system of maize.

Keywords : Poaceae. Maize. Corn planthopper. Oviposition behaviour. Host plant selection.

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