Damage caused by the pasture spittlebug Zulia entreriana on production and quality of Brachiaria decumbens

Abstract

Damage caused by spittlebugs reducing pasture stocking densities, is of great importance in several Central and South-American countries. The present work was conducted, in order to obtain further elements which could be useful in developing strategies for the control of such insects. The objective was to evaluate damage caused by the adult of Zulia entreriana (Berg 1879) (Homoptera: Cercopidae) in the production and quality of Brachiaria decumbens Stapf. cv. Basilisk. Four population densities were evaluated (zero, 25, 50 and 100 adults/square meter) with the use of cages. Plants within these cages were cut at a standard height of 25 cm. Infestations were maintained for ten days. After this period, evaluations for production and quality were undertaken. Significant reductions (P <0.05) in production were observed. The density of 25 adults/m² reduced by 30% dry matter production of B. decumbens. In relation to forage quality, the insects reduced, significantly (P <0.05), levels of crude protein, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium and potassium, and increased (P <0.05) dry matter and fiber contents.