How Do Collaria oleosa and Brachiaria spp. Respond to Increase in Carbon Dioxide Levels?

The current study determines the indirect effect of CO2 level increase on Collaria oleosa (Distant, 1863) (Hemiptera: Miridae) fed on Brachiaria spp. (Poaceae), at two trophic levels, and evaluates resistance to these forages against the insect pest. Mirid bug nymphs and host plant were maintained under four climate environments: (1) nymphs and plants kept at 400 ppm CO2 level; (2) nymphs kept at 400 ppm CO2 level and fed on plants grown at 700 ppm CO2 level; (3) nymphs kept at 700 ppm CO2 level and fed on plants grown at 400 ppm CO2 level; (4) nymphs and plants kept at 700 ppm CO2 level. A totally randomized design was employed with 50 replications. Mean duration and survival of each instar and nymphal phase of insect, subjected to different climate scenarios and food sources, were evaluated. High CO2 levels promote changes in the plant, which trigger changes in the biology of C. oleosa, especially when the insects are kept at the current CO2 level. Moreover, since longer developmental period and shorter survival rates will induce the reduction of the number of generations and number of specimens, it may be underscored that B. brizantha species resistance will be maintained in future climate scenarios. Similarly, genotypes of B. ruziziensis demonstrated that they will be resistant at current and future CO2 levels.

Biological Performance and Preference of Mahanarva spectabilis (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) for Feeding on Different Forage Plants.

The performance and preference of Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant) for feeding on different forage species were evaluated. The survival and duration of the nymphal period, longevity and fertility of adults, and food preferences (free choice) of adults of M. spectabilis were evaluated in a greenhouse trial, and food preferences of adults were also evaluated in laboratory tests without a choice of host plant. In the field, the numbers of plants with spittle masses were evaluated by forage sampling. Lower levels of nymph survival were observed in the greenhouse on Molasses grass, Jaraguá, Tanzânia, and Makueni. The duration of the nymphal period did not differ significantly on different forage species; however, the longevity and fertility of adults were significantly lower on Cynodon and Brachiaria decumbens Stapf. In the free-choice preference test, adult insects were attracted most strongly to B. decumbens and Jaraguá, with intermediate attraction to Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst ex A. Rich) Stapf and Pioneiro. In the test without host choice, insects exhibited lower excretion rates on Tanzânia, Cynodon, Jaraguá, B. brizantha, and Molasses grass, and those fed on Cynodon, Jaraguá, Molasses grass, and Makueni also exhibited reduced body mass. In the field, Pioneiro had the highest number of spittle masses, followed by Roxo de Botucatu. Thus, Molasses grass, Tanzânia, Makueni, and Jaraguá plants are less suitable food sources for M. spectabilis nymphs and adults. Additionally, although Jaraguá was less favorable to nymphs, it attracted food-seeking adults; hence, these plants have potential for use in control of M. spectabilis.