Spittlebugs are considered one of the most important pests of sugar cane and pastures in the American continent. The species Aeneolamia varies, represents a serious risk for the sugar agroindustry, which is why progress is being made in the search for means to control it.
Entomopathogenic nematodes are a viable alternative in integrated pest management programs. a. varies in sugar cane, as Ferrer and his collaborators (2004) confirmed in Central America. These researchers recorded the death of 70% of nymphs of a. varies in fields infested by the pest.
Research into biological control with entomopathogenic nematodes in the Colombian sugar sector is recent, and experience is being gained in their handling.
The progress below refers to the evaluations carried out by Cenicaña on sugarcane plants infested by a. varies in the greenhouse and in the field. Seven species of nematodes collected in Colombian territory were observed, with the aim of identifying the most promising ones for the control of the spittlebug.