Biorational control of corn leafhopper and activation of resistance with compounds from Morinda citrifolia.

Abstract

Currently, the increasing productivity, garanee phytosanitary measures, and food security in plantations is a significant challenge. The potential of plant compounds in pests and diseases alternative control has been widely researched. This study is the first to investigate the use of the plant Morinda citrifolia L.(noni) for managing maize leafhoppers, a major issue in plantations. The effects of essential oil and octanoic acid on resistance induction were evaluated with quantification of phytoalexins, potential phytotoxicity, and toxicity to corn leafhopper, Dalbulus maidis. The chromatographic analysis identified octanoic acid as the primary compound, constituting 58.43% of the essential oil. The elicitor potential was more pronounced in plants treated with M. citrifolia compounds than in those treated with commercial resistance-activating products. The essential oil effectively controlled D. maidis, resulting in 50% mortality after 48 hours without damaging the leaf area. These findings highlight the potential of M. citrifolia in the biorational control of the stunting complex, with effective vector control and resistance induction.