The integration of plant resistance and biological control agent can be a viable alternative to the management of the greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), on sorghum. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of four sorghum genotypes: GR 11111 and TX 430 x GR 111 (resistants), GB 3B (moderately resistant), and BR 007B (susceptible), on the biological control of S. graminum by the predator lacewing, Chrysoperla externa (Hagen). Different levels of infestation, in presence or absence of the predator were studied in greenhouse, and the viability of S. graminum control was evaluated under field conditions. The effect of the predator was observed 25 days after infestation, resulting in higher percentage of plant growth and lower damage. Damage was lower in resistant genotypes and increased with higher levels of infestation, being low in presence of predator C. externa. In field conditions, plant damage was reduced in 83%, when the genotype TX 430 x GR 111 was used in association with C. externa.
Insecta; aphid; lacewing; integrated control; Sorghum bicolor
