The influence of adult Prosapia distanti feeding on the forage quality of kikuyugrass in Costa Rica

Abstract

The spitfire, Prosapia distanti (Lall), is a pest of kikuyan grass, Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst., in Costa Rica. To determine the damage caused by this insect, adult spitfires were introduced at various densities into greenhouses containing kikuyan grass. The nutritive value of the grass was not significantly affected in this experiment, as initially thought. Possible explanations for this effect are discussed. Moisture content was considerably reduced due to attack by the adult insects. Field observations indicated that severe damage by spitfires inhibited growth and decreased the acceptability of kikuyan grass.