Influence of plant spacing and nitrogen fertilization in maize on Dalbulus maidis (Homoptera: Cicadellidae), vector of corn stunt
1989
Power, A.G.
The incidence of the corn stunt pathogen transmitted to maize by the corn leafhopper, Dalbulus maidis (Delong and Wolcott), was reduced in high-density plantings of maize (Zea mays mays L.) in Nicaragua. Density was manipulated by modifying the distance between rows or between plants within a row. Although leafhopper populations were not strongly influenced by planting density in this study, the planting arrangement significantly affected leafhopper abundance. At equivalent planting densities, leafhoppers were more abundant in treatments with reduced between-row spacing. This difference was not reflected in the incidence of corn stunt, which tended to be lower in treatments with reduced row spacing. This result can be explained by the effects of planting arrangement on leafhopper movement. In contrast to a previous study, nitrogen fertilization affected maize growth early in the season, but did not significantly influence vector abundance or disease incidence.
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