Monitoring of the maize leafhopper: a year of key data and optimistic perspectives for the next campaign

The National Monitoring Network for Dalbulus maidis has just completed its first year of operation. According to Alejandro Vera, the general coordinator from the Experimental Station Obispo Colombres, the initiative brings together institutions such as AAPRESID, AAPPCE, INTA, CREA, and MAIZAR, and monitors 450 points distributed across five agroecological zones: NOA, NEA, central north, central south, and litoral. "Every fifteen days, we publish a technical report that is prepared after processing the data obtained in the field and unifying criteria among specialists," Vera explained. Current situation of the pest The survey by the Network has confirmed that the pest shows a differentiated behavior according to the region. In the endemic zones (NOA and NEA), there is always a remnant of Dalbulus maidis, while in the central and litoral areas, the population notably retreats in winter. Two climatic factors are decisive: the quantity and intensity of frosts and the thermal ...