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The development, which determined the Dalbulus maidis' genetic
makeup, will serve future efforts to fight off the leafhopper,
according to the government statement.
Experts argue that the leafhopper population has surged in
recent months largely due to the lack of frosts during last
year's Southern Hemisphere winter, which likely would have
killed off the insect.
The tiny bug, which sucks sap out of plants, transmits a
bacteria that produces stunt disease in corn, causing the key
grains crop to grow ears with loose or missing kernels.
In the 2023/24 season, the Rosario Grains Exchange expects local
farmers to harvest 47.5 million metric tons of corn, about a
fifth less than originally estimated due to losses caused by the
leafhopper.
"This research will help us understand the biology and evolution
of the insect, which in turn will help predict and mitigate
future outbreaks," the statement said, adding that the
scientific advance could also lead to the development of new
varieties of leafhopper-resistant genetically modified corn.
Agricultural analysts have said that farmers will likely plant
smaller corn fields in the 2024/25 season due to the pest,
although fall and winter frosts should improve prospects for the
crop.
(Reporting by Maximilian Heath; Writing by Kylie Madry; Editing
by Sandra Maler)
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