Feeding and oviposition deterrence of limonoid-based commercial formulation on corn leafhopper

Resumo

In the search for alternative tools for the management of Dalbulus maidis, the corn stunt disease vector, the use of multi-target formulations based on neem derivatives remains unclear, despite their widespread use in Brazil and elsewhere. In this study, we evaluated the feeding and oviposition deterrence of Brazilian commercial formulations on nymphs and adults of D. maidis under laboratory conditions. Openeem Valente^® demonstrated potential in deterring D. maidis oviposition. Moreover, all formulations tested demonstrated the ability to reduce the feeding of D. maidis nymphs and adults, with the exception of Bioexos Plus^®, which did not exhibit any significant deterrent effect on adult insects. Thus, the levels sublethal effects observed in these limonoid-based formulations can contribute to D. maidis management and, consequently, reduced the impact of corn stunt complex diseases in cornfields.