Flutuação populacional de adultos de cigarrinha-verde (Empoasca sp.) e avaliação de produtos alternativos em populações de Empoasca sp. e ácaros fitófagos na cultura do pinhão-manso em Mato Grosso do Sul

Abstract

Physic nut is an oilseed crop that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and isknown for producing seeds whose oil has desirable characteristics for biofuel production. However, there have been reports of some arthropods feeding from its leaves, including the green leafhopper Empoasca sp (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). Large amounts of this insect can be found in certain periods of the year in many regions of Brazil, causing injuries to this oilseed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fluctuation in green leafhopper population in a physic nut crop in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, looking for possible correlations with rainfall, maximum temperatures, average and minimum. This evaluation was conducted between the months of March 2011 to July 2012. The largest populations of Empoasca sp. were recorded in May and June in 2011 and between February and May in 2012. There was no correlation between the climatic aspects analyzed and the fluctuation in the Hemiptera population, but it has been noticed a tendency for having the highest population density during the most warm and rainy months