The Diversity and the Abundance ofCorn Planthopper(Hemiptera: Delphacidae)inLampung Province

Abstract

Abstract The outbreak of delphacid planthoppers has been detected across corn-growing regions in South Lampung. Survey study was conducted in three corn fields in Natar District, South Lampung Regency. In each study site, five corn plants were randomly sampled. In each sampled plant, one leaf with maximum number of planthoppers was selected for population recording. Based on the morphological identification results, there were two types of corn planthoppers attacking corn fields during sampling periods: the white bellied-planthopper, Stenocranus pacivicus Kirkaldy and Peregrinus maidis Ashmead. During sampling periods, S. pacivicus was most abundant species, while, the Peregrinus planthopper was almost undetectable. There was similar trend peak of density S. pacificus brachypters & nymph and macropters among the three corn fields. The maximum number of S. pacificus brachypters & nymph 412.38 ±23.12 individuals’ leaf−1 was recorded at 70 days after planting (DAP). While the S. pacificus macropters reached the highest population number 43.81 ± 5,76 individuals leaf−1. Extended feeding activity by planthoppers caused the chlorosis and necrosis of the leaf, reduced plant vigor, and stunting, resulting hopperburn symptoms. The results of this study confirm that the explosion of delphacid planthopper sand corn hopperburn are real and become a threat for corn production in Lampung Province.