Resistance of Kochia scoparia to Feeding Damage by Grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

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Abstract
The grasshopper complex associated with Kochta scoparla (L.) was investigated to verify and quantify the low acceptability of kochia to grasshoppers. Kochia did not show an economic level of insect damage. Grasshopper infestations at the sites were very severe (up to 351m2 placing the vegetation under intense grazing pressure. Feeding on kochia was mainly confined to older leaves; grasshoppers avoided new leaves. Protection of new leaves allows kochia to continue active growth even when severely infested with grasshoppers. The size and density of the kochia stand was favorable to grasshopper habitation but did not result in an increased number of egg pods laid compared with adjacent agricultural plots.