Influence of pastoral systems on Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) and the entomopathogen Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin

Abstract

The influence of Urochloa brizantha (variety Marandu) grazing systems on Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant) and the entomopathogen Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) was studied to understand the benefits of integrated systems in pest management. The pastoral systems studied were: (M) monoculture, (SP) silvopastoral and (ICLF). We assessed the number, per square meter, of alive spittlebug nymphs or infected by M. anisopliae as well as the demanded number of entomopathogen sprays in each pasture system to control the pest. Throughout the experiment period, M. spectabilis was the unique species found. Silvopastoral had a higher number of alive nymphs and a lower percentage of the infected nymphs compared to pasture in monoculture; however, in both systems, only one spray of M. anisopliae was enough to keep the pest below its threshold. In agrosilvopastoral system, there was no spittlebugs infestation. Thus, intensified production systems such ICLF may be more sustainable, considering pest aspects.

Keywords

• spittlebugs
• microbial control
• integrated systems
• agrosilvopastoral