The comparison of feeding marks and honeydew excretion of green rice leafhopper (Nephotettix cincticeps Uhler) on various graminaceous plants (Deltocephalidae: Homoptera)
Chu, Y-I.; Liou, R-F.
Plant Protection Bulletin (Taiwan) 23(4): 243-251
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0577-750X Accession: 001001854
Studies were carried out in Taiwan to evaluate the suitability of 20 common species of graminaceous plants as food-plants of the rice pest Nephotettix cincticeps (Uhl.) [see preceding abstract] by comparing the number of feeding marks and the amounts of carbohydrate and amino acid in the excreted honeydew on each plant. Rice, dent foxtail (Alopecurus aequalis), ratoon rice, barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli) and leersia grass (Leersia hexandra) were the most favoured food-plants. The results showed that the number of feeding marks on a plant was not related to its suitability as a food-plant. The honeydew secreted on the more suitable food-plants contained a higher content of carbohydrate and amino acid. It is suggested that estimation of carbohydrate and amino-acid contents in the honeydew would provide a simple and rapid method of evaluating the suitability of plants as food-plants of the leafhopper.