Alturas e direções de exposição da armadilha para captura de cigarrinha-do-milho

Abstract

Corn (Zea mays L.) is one of the main commodities in Brazil, and it can be affected by different diseases and pests that reduce the production, quality and quantity of seeds and grains. The corn cicada (Dalbulus maidis) is an insect vector of the stunt complex (pale stunt and red stunt) and also of the corn stripe virus (Maize rayado Fino virus). The corn cicada has been adopting survival strategies during the corn off-season, as well as seeking ideal climatic conditions for its migration. The aim of this study was is to verify the activity and population of D. maidis at three collection heights, relating the daily number of insects in double-sided traps installed under the cardinal points (North, South, East and West) depending on the meteorological characteristics of the municipality of Cerro Largo – RS. The number of individuals collected daily was correlated with meteorological characteristics. Analysis of variance was carried out on the sides depending on the different heights. Then, the meteorological data obtained were related to the models by Brière et al. (1999) and Lactin et al. (1995) and compared with the number of individuals using Pearson and Spearman correlations. Wind speed, precipitation and relative humidity did not show any significant interference. The average and maximum daily temperatures were significant in the Pearson and Spearman correlations in relation to the Lactin and Brière response models, verifying an influence on the Dalbulus maidis population.