FEEDING-BEHAVIOR OF NEPHOTETTIX-VIRESCENS (HOMOPTERA, CICADELLIDAE) ON RICE VARIETIES WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF RESISTANCE

The feeding behavior of Nephotettix virescens (Distant) on rice varieties with different levels of resistance was studied using an AC electronic monitor for insect feeding (EMIF) system. Varieties used were TN1 (susceptible), IR36 (moderately resistant), and ASD7, IR60, and IR64 (resistant). Six typical waveforms were recorded and each type corresponded to a certain activity of the insect during the feeding process as indicated by histological sections of the leaf observed. Significantly more phloem feeding was observed on the susceptible plants than on the moderately resistant and resistant plants. Fifty percent of the total test period was spent feeding on the susceptible variety and only 25% on the resistant varieties. © 1990 Entomological Society of America.