The species D. speciosa is a chrysomelid responsible for causing considerable damage on potato plant, making its control with insecticides essential to minimize the damage caused to this culture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of diatomaceous earth (DE) on feeding behavior and mortality of D. speciosa in potato under laboratory conditions. A completely randomized design was used with three treatments and eight replicates being: 1 - control; 2 - sprinkled DE (0.5 g/vase) and 3 - 1% sprayed DE. The potato plants, cv. Emeraude, were sprinkled or sprayed with DE 30 days after the planting and 24 hours after the application, the plants were supplied to insects, with and without a chance of choice. There was significant difference among treatments with a lower leaflet with injury percentage observed in plants that received the application of powdered DE (tests without chance of choice) and sprinkled or powdered DE (tests without chance of choice). There was also reduction of the number of leaf injuries at 24 and 48 hours (sprinkled or powdered DE) and, at 72 hours, the reduction was only observed with the application of sprinkled DE. Regarding the insecticidal activity of TD, its effect was verified after 48 hours, through sprinkling or spraying. As a result, the application of DE may help in the management of D. speciosa, contributing to provide protection to potato plants and to increase the mortality of this insect pest.
Insecta; silicon dioxide; IPM
