Rainfall and Coconut Accession Explain the Composition and Abundance of the Community of Potential Auchenorrhyncha Phytoplasma Vectors in Brazil.

Coconut plantations are attacked by the lethal yellowing (LY), which is spreading rapidly with extremely destructive effects in several countries. The disease is caused by phytoplasmas that occur in the plant phloem and are transmitted by Haplaxius crudus (Van Duzee) (Auchenorrhyncha: Cixiidae). Owing to their phloem-sap feeding habit, other planthopper species possibly act as vectors.

Cotesia flavipes (CAM) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) supresses immune responses in Diatraea flavipennella (BOX) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

The present research aimed to elucidate which aspects of immune responses in Diatraea flavipennella are suppressed by the parasitoid Cotesia flavipes, thus, ensuring parasitism success. We investigated the presence of apoptosis in fat body cells through the TUNEL technique. According to the results, reduced levels of nitric oxide and phenoloxidase activity were observed in larvae parasitized for three days, and reduced total number of hemocytes, after three and seven days.

Sublethal effect of concentrations of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok on the larval stage and immunologic characteristics of Diatraea flavipennella (BOX) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of Metarhizium anisopliae on Diatraea flavipennella and investigate their immune response. Was observed the effect of M. anisopliae against larvae of D.