Abstract
The study of plant-derived substances for the control of insect pests is desirable in the attempt to discover less toxic insecticides that are safe for the environment. Indeed, extracts from the cashew of the savannah, Anacardium humile, have shown insecticidal activities against certain insects. The sugarcane root spittlebug Mahanarva fimbriolata is considered an important pest of sugarcane, causing severe damage and significant yield reductions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the aqueous extract of A. humile (0.05, 0.4 and 1.0%) on M. fimbriolata. The application of the aqueous extract of Anacardium humile resulted in 53.1% nymphal mortality at a concentration of 1.0%, which was significantly higher than that observed in the negative control. The nymphal period and longevity of M. fimbriolata, however, were not affected by the aqueous A. humile extract.
Highlights
Brazil is the world’s largest sugar cane producer, and the sugar and ethanol produced supply both the domestic and international needs (ÚNICA, 2012)
In the last few years the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, has increased its sugar cane plantation areas. This crop is attacked by numerous insect species, including the sugarcane root spittlebug Mahanarva fimbriolata (Stål, 1854), an insect that causes considerable damage to both sugar cane plants and pastures (GALLO et al, 2002)
The mortality caused by the aqueous extracts of A. humile ranged from 23.2 at the 0.05% concentration after 5 days of treatment to 53.1 at the Nymphal development and the longevity of Anacardium humile on Mahanarva fimbriolata
Summary
Brazil is the world’s largest sugar cane producer, and the sugar and ethanol produced supply both the domestic and international needs (ÚNICA, 2012). In the last few years the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, has increased its sugar cane plantation areas. This crop is attacked by numerous insect species, including the sugarcane root spittlebug Mahanarva fimbriolata (Stål, 1854), an insect that causes considerable damage to both sugar cane plants and pastures (GALLO et al, 2002). The management and cultural practices in sugar cane fields have been modified, aiming for higher productivity with a reduced impact on the environment (ALMEIDA et al, 2003). Agronomy management system is with regard to the harvesting process: instead of the traditional burning prior to manual harvest, growers have been forced to avoid it, performing only the mechanical harvest
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