High levels of nitrogen fertilization enhance the fitness of the vector of corn stunt disease, Dalbulus maidis

Abstract

Host plant quality is recognized to have a significant impact on the performance of herbivorous insects. Nitrogen, a fundamental element, plays a crucial role in plant life cycles, serving as a limiting resource for both plants and herbivores. Despite nitrogen-fertilized plants generally exhibiting enhanced nutritional content, responses to nitrogen variations remain non-uniform, depending on specific insect feeding guilds and the nature of herbivore–plant interactions. In the context of modern agriculture, fertilizers are essential for maintaining soil fertility and crop productivity. Focusing on corn, a fundamental crop in the American continent, heightened fertilizer input has significantly increased yields. However, the intricate relationship between pest behavior and fertilization practices necessitates elucidation. This study aimed to examine the effects of varying levels of nitrogen fertilization on the survivorship, developmental time, and performance of the corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis (DeLong & Wolcott) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), a major maize pest and vector of the corn stunt disease. Bioassays were carried out under controlled conditions, and the vector was fed on maize plants subjected to three fertilization levels (100, 200, and 300 ppm). The results indicate that higher levels of nitrogen fertilization doubled the survival rate of nymphs and accelerated their development into adults. Additionally, adults that received high levels of nitrogen fertilization exhibited twice the longevity and fecundity. The reported findings could contribute to predicting the population dynamics of this crop pest and would enable rational decision-making when intervening for D. maidis control.