Research identifies new species of sugarcane pest

Researchers from the Biosciences Institute (IB) of Unesp and PUC-RS have described a new species of the so-called “leafhopper,” a common name for one of the most reported pests in sugarcane plantations, a central agricultural activity for the country's economy. The new scientific finding was detailed in an article published in the Bulletin of Entomological Research, from the University of Cambridge, in October of this year. Among the species previously identified as root leafhopper, Mahanarva fimbriolata and Mahanarva spectabilis are the most well-known for attacking sugarcane plantations. The insects, with a reddish-brown color, feed on the sap of the cane and, in doing so, transmit toxins that cause the burning of the leaves and the loss of sucrose. The new species has been named Mahanarva diakantha. In addition, it is estimated that the infestation can cause losses of up to 36 tons per hectare. Professor at IB and one of the authors of the article, Diogo Cavalcanti ...