Buprofezin becomes new alternative to control Dalbulus maidis, research shows

The growth regulator insecticide Buprofezin has proven to be an effective tool for managing corn leafhopper (Dalbulus maidis), according to research conducted by CCGL (Cooperativa Central Gaúcha Ltda). The study, led by Dr. Glauber Renato Stürmer, an entomology researcher at CCGL, indicated that including this active ingredient yielded positive results, significantly increasing grain productivity.

The research showed that an additional application of Buprofezin increased 1,320 kilograms in treatments combined with Methomyl. In contrast, the productivity increase was 1,467 kilograms of corn grains in association with Acephate. ″No single tactic is efficient. Therefore, integrating available tools can protect the productivity and profitability of corn cultivation,″ stated Dr. Glauber Renato Stürmer, adding, ″the need to use effective chemical and biological tools for controlling corn leafhoppers is paramount.″

″We must also pay attention to other insects in the system that require attention, with the first application focusing on stink bugs and the second on products effective against adult corn leafhoppers,″ he explained. 

From the third insecticide application onwards, he emphasizes the ″need to control nymphs and adult corn leafhoppers.″ Thus, using insecticides that act on these developmental stages ″can break the cycle and reduce reinfestation, consequently minimizing losses,″ he added.

″In this line, we conducted a study with the active ingredient Buprofezin, aiming to efficiently control nymphs and impact the fertility and fecundity of adult corn leafhoppers,″ Dr. Glauber Renato Stürmer pointed out.

The entomology researcher at CCGL highlighted that this active ingredient belongs to a new chemical group ″that aids in managing resistance to this pest and does not present compatibility issues when combined with other insecticides.″

″We conducted the protocol with two standard applications of Acephate (AB), and in the sequential applications, we added Buprofezin alone and in combination with Acephate and Methomyl,″ he recalled. ″We also evaluated five or six applications, starting at the V1 stage of the crop and finishing at V5 (5 applications) and V7 (6 applications).″

Dalbulus maidis

Corn leafhoppers cause damage by being a vector insect, not only feeding on the crop but also simultaneously injecting viruses and bacteria into corn plants, known as CMVs (Complex of Mollicutes and Viruses). ″The bacteria, also known as mollicutes, consist of phytoplasma and spiroplasma. Losses can reach high levels, up to 90%,″ Dr. Glauber Renato Stürmer said. 

According to him, with the presence of the insect in corn plants, ″insecticide applications should begin, with sequential applications recommended at intervals of 5 to 7 days.″

″The number of applications will depend on population pressure, the efficiency of employed tactics, genetic tolerance, and the need to protect the crop until the V102 stage,″ he said in conclusion.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)

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