Effects of fertigation on the occurence and damages of Mahanarva fimbriolata (Stål) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) in sugarcane

Abstract

Brazil stands out as the world's largest producer of sugarcane and its productivity is closely related to the availability of water and nitrogen during its development and also to the incidence of pest insects. Among the species most harmful to the sugarcane in Brazil, Mahanarva fimbriolata stands out, which has seriously endangered the yields. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the nitrogen fertirrigation on the incidence and damage caused by M. fimbriolata in sugarcane. The experiment was composed of five treatments and four replications in a randomized block design (RBD). The treatments were composed of four doses of N-fertilizer and control (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 kg.ha-1) in drip irrigation system. The parameters evaluated were: number of nymphs in the roots, stalk productivity, sugar content, percentage of sugar, total recoverable sugar and the agricultural contribution margin. It was observed that the fertirrigation increases the productivity of stalks and sugar with the increase of nitrogen fertilization by irrigation. The use of 200 kg.ha-1 of N-fertilizer increased the incidence of M. fimbriolata up to the control and economic damage levels. The biggest financial yield was obtained with the dose of 150 kg.ha-1 of N-fertilizer.