Brachiaria ruziziensisResponses to Different Fertilization Doses and to the Attack ofMahanarva spectabilis(Hemiptera: Cercopidae) Nymphs and Adults

Abstract

Cropping practices are necessary in order to help reduce the population of pest insect, such as the induction of resistance through fertilization. Therefore, this study aimed to assess alterations on the production and quality ofBrachiaria ruziziensiswhen receiving the fertilization composed by the macronutrients NPK and/or exposed to the attack ofMahanarva spectabilisnymphs and adults.B. ruziziensisplants were fertilized according to the recommendation (R), half of the recommended fertilization (H), or non-fertilization (C). They were also exposed to differentM. spectabilisnymph and adult densities. The damage, regrowth, and bromatological components were evaluated. The fertilization treatment promoted a higherM. spectabilisnymph survival onB. ruziziensis; however, it reduced the damage caused by the forage exposed to nymphs and adults of pest insect, and it did not alter the quality of the signal grass. Moreover, the fertilization treatment enabled forage recovery, even when exposed to 5 nymphs or 10 spittlebug adults.