Pests and diseases of Brachiaria species
The main insect pests and diseases associated with Brachiaria pastures are considered, with emphasis on spittlebugs, the most damaging pests in tropical America. Outbreaks of the polyphagous burrowing bugs of the genus Scaptocoris, both in Brazil and Colombia, are of concern. Other pests discussed include leafcutting ants; the mound-building termites, Cornitermes cumulans and Syntermes sp.; the lepidopterans, Spodoptera frugiperda and Mocis latipes; the rhodesgrass scale, Antonina graminis; and the chinch bug, Blissus leucopterus. Important fungal and viral diseases of Brachiaria species are outlined. Most of these occur in Africa, the center of diversity of Brachiaria, but lately some-particularly foliar blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani; ergot, caused by Claviceps species; and guineagrass mosaic virus-have acquired importance in tropical America, and could become devastating where vast areas are planted to a single cultivar. Chemical control is not feasible in perennial pastures, and pest- and disease-resistant cultivars of Brachiaria need to be developed as a low-cost alternative. Promising control measures and future research needs are discussed
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Book Chapter biblioteca |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
International Center for Tropical Agriculture
1996
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| Subjects: | brachiaria, pests of plants, plant diseases, pest insects, chemical control, biological control, plant viruses, plagas de plantas, enfermedades de las plantas, insectos daninos, control químico, control biológico, virus de las plantas, |
| Online Access: | https://hdl.handle.net/10568/54883 https://books.google.com/books?id=dMF6QpfVdjMC&printsec=frontcover&dq=&pg=PA87 |
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