# Identification and Evaluation of Sugarcane Cultivars for Antixenosis Resistance to the Leafhopper Yamatotettix flavovittatus Matsumura (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

## TL;DR

This study identifies sugarcane cultivars that resist leafhopper pests by analyzing settling behavior, feeding patterns, and plant traits.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel approach combining EPG and PCA to identify sugarcane cultivars with antixenosis resistance to leafhoppers.

## Key findings

- Cultivars KK3 and LK92-11 showed the highest leafhopper settlement and honeydew production.
- TPJ04-768 and K84-200 are promising for resistance due to negative correlations with silica cell density.
- PCA grouped cultivars into four categories based on leafhopper interaction traits.

## Abstract

Understanding the settling preference, feeding behavior, honeydew production, and biophysical factors, such as trichome density, related to Y. flavovittatus leafhopper infestation in sugarcane cultivation is crucial for effective pest management strategies. This study investigated these aspects across nine sugarcane cultivars. Significant variability was observed among cultivars in terms of settling behavior, with KK3 and LK92-11 showing the highest number of settled leafhopper adults. Similarly, honeydew production varied significantly among cultivars, with KK3 and LK92-11 exhibiting the highest production. Employing the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique provided insights into distinct probing behaviors across cultivars, highlighting correlations between settling preference, honeydew production, and specific EPG waveforms. Principal component analysis (PCA) categorized cultivars into four groups based on settling preference, honeydew production, feeding behavior, and biophysical factors. Strong correlations were found between settling preference, honeydew production, and various EPG waveforms, while negative correlations were observed with the number of silica cells and rows per unit area, indicating their potential role in deterring leafhopper settlement. We concluded that TPJ04-768 and K84-200 are promising for resistance against leafhoppers and, thereby, can be exploited in sugarcane breeding programs with regard to resistance against insects.