ABSTRACT
This study sought to develop a methodology that can be carried out in the laboratory, for studying the biology of Vatiga manihotae (Drake) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) and evaluating the control strategies for this cassava pest. The study was conducted from September 2008 to March 2009. Field collections were made of cassava leaves infested with nymphs and adults of the lacebug, and they were placed in cages lined with anti-aphid screen. Subsequently, the insects were transferred to plastic trays covered with a screened lid. The petioles of cassava leaves were wrapped with moistened cotton wool and covered with aluminum foil to maintain the turgidity of the leaves, which were exchanged on average every 2 days in order to ensure the supply of insects. After application of the test products, cassava leaves were infested with nymphs and adults of V. manihotae, and then wrapped in leaf cages made with colorless, transparent polyethylene screen. This technique proved to be favorable for the development of bioassays with V. manihotae, allowing for a large number of adults in cassava leaves, ease of handling and low mortality of individuals.
KEY WORDS
Vatiga manihotae
; technical maintenance; bioassays
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