Description of the immature stages of Delphacodes kuscheli Fennah (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), vector of “Mal de Río Cuarto virus” on maize in Argentina

REMES LENICOV, A.M.M. DE; BRENTASSI, M.E.; TOLEDO, A.V.

STUDIES ON NEOTROPICAL FAUNA AND ENVIRONMENT

Taylor & Francis

Lugar: Alemania; Año: 2007 vol. 43

0165-0521

Delphacodes kuscheli Fennah is the most efficient vector of Mal de Río Cuarto virus (MRCV) maize disease in Argentina, which is caused by a persistently transmitted fijivirus. Delphacodes kuscheli is abundant in a wide area of Central Argentina (32° - 35° S), affecting oat, wheat and maize crops, and weeds. All five immature instars of D. kuscheli are described, keyed and illustrated. A key is provided to highlight the main features for identification of the 5th instar nymphs of three other Delphacid species on maize. Adults of D. kuscheli were reared under controlled conditions in individual glass cages containing oat plants. The description of each instar was based on one-day-old nymphs. Coloration pattern, shape of frons, length of the rostrum segments, and length, shape and number of spur teeth are useful features for identification of the 5th nymphal instars of these species.