Bioassay Technique and Maintenance of Gyropsylla spegazziniana (Lizer, 1719) (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Aphalaridae) in vitro Conditions

ABSTRACT Gyropsylla spegazziniana is one of the most important pest of yerba mate by sap-sucking that lead to leaves deformation and there are no insecticides registered for its control. The present study describes a new technique to be used in bioassays with the insect. Galls were collected from infested yerba mate plants. In the laboratory, the galls were partially opened and distributed in plastic containers. The emerged adults were transferred to plastic containers with the perforated bottom and a central opening in the lid, and subjected to spraying. After that, insects were transferred to yerba mate seedlings in plastic cages and maintained in laboratory to daily assessment. The use of a lid with central opening prevented the insects escaping, and avoiding the previous anesthetic to spraying. The mortality was less than 10% after 10 days. The technique was considered adequate for maintenance and performance of laboratory bioassays.