Induced mutagenesis in janeiro grass by ethyl-meta-sulfonate and its effect on spittlebug control

Abstract

In this research, the median lethal dose (LD50) and resistance to spittlebug (Mahanarva andigena) were determined, using a mutagenizing agent ethyl meta-sulfonate (EMS) in Janeiro grass (Eriochloa polystachya Kunth) as a means to generate mutations. The study was carried out at the laboratory and greenhouse level, using a Complete Random Design (DCA) with ten treatments and three repetitions, which consisted of 5 doses of EMS (0.00%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75% and 1.00%). for 2 impregnation times (24 and 48 hours). According to the results, the doses of ethyl meta-sulfonate (EMS) influenced the setting of the stolons of the janeiro grass, presenting a high rate of deflation in doses higher than 0.50%. Treatments with doses of 0.25% EMS at 48 hours achieved the best agronomic performance up to 95 days, where plant height had its best development with use close to that determined as DL50 (0.32%). The janeiro grass impregnated with EMS presented slight damage caused by the spittle.