Corn Leafhopper Plague Impacting Corn in Argentina

The news in Argentina continues to be all about the damage being caused by corn leafhoppers and corn stunt disease. The insect has existed in northern Argentina for years and had already caused problems, although not as serious as those recorded this growing season. The novelty this year is how it as impacted the corn in central Argentina.

Some of the characteristics of corn leafhoppers that make it hard to control include:

• • It feeds and multiplies only on corn plants.

• • It has a longevity of 45 to 70 days.

• • In winter it can take refuge in other crops and even stay for several weeks without feeding.

• • They can fly up to 500 kilometers helped by air currents.

Controlling the insect and the diseases it transmits requires integrated pest management at the regional level. No isolated measure is effective in controlling the insect, this is not a problem that can be solved individually. Regional measures must be deployed by all members of the production chain working together to keep insect numbers as low as possible.

Some measures to control the insect include:

• • Permanent control of volunteer corn.

• • Choose less susceptible corn hybrids.

• • Use approved seed treatments.

• • Monitor insect populations at planting and during initial stages of development.

• • Concentrate planting dates in the most appropriate months.

Four entities related to agriculture in the province of Tucuman in northern Argentina issued a joint communique urging a regional and national approach to controlling corn leafhoppers because in their opinion, the production of corn at the national level may be at risk.

Tags: corn, Argentina, insect, leafhoppers, stunt disease