Mexico is a global leader in the production and sale of chayote squash (Sechium edule), an economically important crop. Numerous species of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) have been reported in this crop; however, it is not clear how different agricultural management strategies impact their diversity and trophic interactions. This study analyzed the responses of heteropteran trophic guilds to agricultural management in 15 chayote plantations in Ixtaczoquitlan, Veracruz, Mexico. Traps were set and examined bimonthly during 2018. Agricultural management was characterized in terms of its trellis height, ground cover, and agrochemical use. We collected 371 individuals of Heteroptera belonging to 16 families, 44 genera, and 52 species; these were classified in the following guilds: predaceous, phytophagous, and mycophagous. Predator abundance exhibited a positive response to the use of herbicides and fertilizers, but showed a negative response to the height of the plant support structure and plant density. Phytophagous Heteroptera abundance was positively impacted by insecticide use, but negatively when amount of leaf litter and production cycle duration were considered. Species richness and abundance of the mycophagous guild did not respond to any of the management variables considered. These findings provide information important for the sound development of strategies for the management of phytophagous and predaceous true bugs in chayote agroecosystems.
Kale is considered as a superfood, and it is a crop in expansion, so its production requires to analyze all the agronomic considerations and interactions within agroecosystems; in the present study, the population dynamics of phytophagous insects associated with kale Brassica oleracea var. sabellica) cultivation was analyzed, aiming to determine their fluctuation, identify the most relevant species, and relationship with yield. The research was conducted in the Soria community, municipality of Comonfort, Guanajuato, Mexico, under an agroecological production system. A total of 36 plants of the "chino" variety were sampled on 14 evaluation dates, between 15 and 120 days after planting. Nine phytophagous species belonging to the orders Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, and Coleoptera were identified, among which Myzus persicae, Lipaphis erysimi, Murgantia histrionica, Leptophobia aripa, Trichoplusia ni, Plutella xylostella, Evergestis rimosalis, Diabrotica undecimpunctata, and D. balteata stood out. The highest population densities were observed in Lepidoptera larvae, particularly during the evaluations between 88 and 120 days after transplanting. Regression analyses revealed a negative correlation between the presence of L. aripa and E. rimosalis and yield (r > 0.83; < 0.05), with direct impact on the production and commercial quality of kale. Conversely, P. xylostella and T. ni showed irregular fluctuations. The results emphasize the necessity of adjusting the frequency and timing of leaf harvesting as part of an integrated pest management strategy, key to reduce the pressure from phytophagous insects and promoting sustainability in leafy vegetable production.
Thrips found in crops in the Puno highlands are occasional pests that damage foliage or flowers, and are known to increase in population during periods of drought. To implement appropriate control strategies, it is necessary to correctly identify the species, commonly known by agricultural producers by the Aymara and Quechua terms "llaja" and "yana-usa," which are translated as "black louse." The study was conducted using specimens of potato Solanum spp.), quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), broad bean (Vicia faba), onion (Allium cepa), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) in the towns of Illpa, Camacani, Ichu, and Ma & ntilde;azo. The species identified were: in potatoes, Frankliniella sp. aff. simplex, F. occidentalis, F. australis, F. tuberosi, Thrips tabaci (Thripidae), and Haplothrips trellesi (Phlaeothripidae); in quinoa, F. sp. aff. simplex, F. occidentalis, F. tuberosi, T. tabaci; in broad beans, F. australis; in onions, T. tabaci and F. australis; and in alfalfa, F. australis, F. occidentalis, and T. tabaci. Historically, F. tuberosi has been considered the most widely distributed species in Andean crops; however, in the present study, it was only reported in potatoes and quinoa in a single location and with low population density. This study emphasizes the importance of ongoing sampling, identifying samples, and maintaining a repository of material for verification. In addition, H. trellesi is reported for the first time in the province of Puno.
Mexico is a global leader in the production and sale of chayote squash (Sechium edule), an economically important crop. Numerous species of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) have been reported in this crop; however, it is not clear how different agricultural management strategies impact their diversity and trophic interactions. This study analyzed the responses of heteropteran trophic guilds to agricultural management in 15 chayote plantations in Ixtaczoquitlan, Veracruz, Mexico. Traps were set and examined bimonthly during 2018. Agricultural management was characterized in terms of its trellis height, ground cover, and agrochemical use. We collected 371 individuals of Heteroptera belonging to 16 families, 44 genera, and 52 species; these were classified in the following guilds: predaceous, phytophagous, and mycophagous. Predator abundance exhibited a positive response to the use of herbicides and fertilizers, but showed a negative response to the height of the plant support structure and plant density. Phytophagous Heteroptera abundance was positively impacted by insecticide use, but negatively when amount of leaf litter and production cycle duration were considered. Species richness and abundance of the mycophagous guild did not respond to any of the management variables considered. These findings provide information important for the sound development of strategies for the management of phytophagous and predaceous true bugs in chayote agroecosystems.
For the state of Durango, Mexico, parasitoids of the orders Hymenoptera and Diptera have been reported, which contribute to the biological control of economically important pests such as the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), among others; The genus Meteorus is naturally distributed in some municipalities of the State; however, although morphologically the characters coincide with Meterorus laphygmae and M. arizonensis, the morphometric analysis only allowed to form two groups: males and females, and an overlap in the measurements of their proportions was observed, but without separating both species. Genetically, M. laphygmae reported in Genbank (R) for Mexico is distant from Meteorus spp. (M. laphygmae and M. arizonensis) from Durango (0.118), where no clear differentiation is observed either. Meteorus laphygmae has a recorded geographic distribution in North America and Latin America. To demonstrate that this species is distributed in several states of Mexico, but not in Durango, the genetic sequences were analyzed, which showed that the group of Meteorus sp. from Durango, Mexico, does not correspond to M. laphygmae recorded in Mexico (center and south) up to Costa Rica, suggesting that it is probably a different species or just M. arizonensis, so its morphological redescription will be essential, which will provide the biological tools necessary to control S. frugiperda and other pests.
In Colombia, mealybugs have become important common pests in coffee farming. The predominant species are Puto barberi (Hemiptera: Putoidae) and Dysmicoccus sp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). The objective of this research was to evaluate insecticides used to control these pests, which are not restricted for use in Colombia or coffee-buying countries. In the laboratory, 18 different formulations of insecticides, originating from mineral, biological, botanical, and chemical sources, were evaluated on both nymphs and adults of P. barberi. After 10 days of treatment, it was found that dinotefuran, pyriproxyfen + acetamiprid, cyantraniliprole, and a mixture of plant extracts from Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf (Poales: Poaceae), Ammothamnus sp., and Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre (Fabales: Fabaceae) was effective in causing a mortality rate greater than 80 %. These products, along with spirotetramat, calcium hydroxide, and tiamentoxam (commercial control - CC), were then evaluated in a batch of naturally infested coffee plants by P. barberi and in coffee seedlings in a greenhouse that were artificially infested with Dysmicoccus sp. The study utilized a completely randomized design. The response variable was the number of live individuals per infested plant (LIPIP). On day 14 of treatment, only dinotefuran and the mixture of plant extracts showed statistically similar results to the CC, presenting 6.56 - 6.94 and 6.17 LIPIP for P. barberi. On days 30 and 60, Dysmicoccus sp. had 1.38 and 1.50 LIPIP with dinotefuran, statistically equal to 1.08 and 1.36 LIPIP of the CC; at 30 days, the mixture of plant extracts followed dinotefuran with 3.14 LIPIP. The effectiveness of these insecticides ranged from 73 % to 98 %; they are recommended for controlling coffee root mealybugs.
Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) is a high-value commercial crop from which the popular chocolate is derived. Despite its importance, little is known about the associated arthropods and the factors affecting their diversity and functional dynamics. On the other hand, organic farming systems are considered a solution for biodiversity conservation. Consequently, this study aims to compare the abundance and diversity of arthropods, along with their functional roles, evaluating differences between conventional and organic systems. The study was conducted in Nilo, Cundinamarca, Colombia, comparing six conventional and organic cacao plots. Pitfall, interception, Malaise, and floral glue traps were used to recollect arthropods each day over three days in three sampling periods, each attempting to capture a phenological phase of cacao. A total of 273 arthropod families and 15,310 individuals were identified and categorized based on their ecological roles. The results indicate a significant increase in arthropod abundance in organic plots. Additionally, at the functional role level, an effect was found on the abundance of each plot. However, according to the inverse Simpson index, no differences in diversity were found between conventional and organic systems. A negative effect of temperature and precipitation on arthropod abundance was observed across several functional roles. These findings highlight the dynamics of the entomofauna in cacao and how organic management can benefit biodiversity. However, further research is needed to assess its impact on production and societal benefits.
las hormigas son insectos eusociales clave en los ecosistemas terrestres y están ampliamente distribuidas en diversos hábitats a través del mundo. En Durango, México, convergen las regiones Neártica y Neotropical, lo que favorece una alta diversidad de especies. Este estudio analizó los patrones de diversidad de hormigas en cinco tipos de vegetación del estado. Se recolectaron 1,590 individuos entre agosto de 2016 y septiembre de 2017, pertenecientes a 5 subfamilias, 14 tribus, 23 géneros y 36 especies. La subfamilia más diversa fue Myrmicinae (19 especies), seguida de Formicinae (10), Dolichoderinae (cinco), Ponerinae y Dorylinae (una respectivamente). Se evaluó la diversidad alfa mediante los números de Hill (0D, 1D, 2D) y la diversidad beta espacial usando los índices de Jaccard (incidencia) y Bray-Curtis (abundancia). Los resultados mostraron que el Matorral xerófilo (MX) presentó la mayor riqueza (0D) y diversidad (1D, 2D). La diversidad beta basada en abundancia varió entre 0,52 % y 0,95 %, indicando diferencias significativas en la composición de especies entre hábitats. El estudio destaca la notable diversidad de hormigas en Durango influenciada por los distintos tipos de vegetación, siendo el Matorral xerófilo donde se encontró la mayor diversidad. Estos hallazgos resaltan la importancia de los factores ambientales en la distribución y riqueza de las comunidades de hormigas, aportando información valiosa para la conservación de la biodiversidad.
En Colombia, la intensificación del uso de piretroides y organofosforados como respuesta al aumento de casos de dengue y a la emergencia de chikungunya y Zika, ha ocasionado la selección de resistencia en Aedes aegypti. Esta situación subraya la urgencia de explorar la eficacia de otros insecticidas en la lucha contra Ae. aegypti y las enfermedades que transmite. En este contexto, determinamos la susceptibilidad de 15 poblaciones de Ae. aegypti del departamento de Córdoba Colombia, al propoxur, un insecticida carbamato. Para ello, analizamos la susceptibilidad utilizando la metodología en botella estandarizada por el Centro de Control y Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) con la dosis diagnóstico (DD) de 12,5 μg/botella y un tiempo diagnóstico (TD) de 30 minutos. Los resultados revelaron que las poblaciones evaluadas fueron susceptibles al propoxur, con 100 % de mortalidad. Este hallazgo subraya la viabilidad del propoxur en el manejo de Ae. aegypti, en áreas afectadas por la resistencia a insecticidas tradicionales en el departamento de Córdoba.
In Colombia, mealybugs have become important common pests in coffee farming. The predominant species are Puto barberi (Hemiptera: Putoidae) and Dysmicoccus sp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). The objective of this research was to evaluate insecticides used to control these pests, which are not restricted for use in Colombia or coffee-buying countries. In the laboratory, 18 different formulations of insecticides, originating from mineral, biological, botanical, and chemical sources, were evaluated on both nymphs and adults of P. barberi. After 10 days of treatment, it was found that dinotefuran, pyriproxyfen + acetamiprid, cyantraniliprole, and a mixture of plant extracts from Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf (Poales: Poaceae), Ammothamnus sp., and Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre (Fabales: Fabaceae) was effective in causing a mortality rate greater than 80 %. These products, along with spirotetramat, calcium hydroxide, and tiamentoxam (commercial control-CC), were then evaluated in a batch of naturally infested coffee plants by P. barberi and in coffee seedlings in a greenhouse that were artificially infested with Dysmicoccus sp. The study utilized a completely randomized design. The response variable was the number of live individuals per infested plant (LIPIP). On day 14 of treatment, only dinotefuran and the mixture of plant extracts showed statistically similar results to the CC, presenting 6.56-6.94 and 6.17 LIPIP for P. barberi. On days 30 and 60, Dysmicoccus sp. had 1.38 and 1.50 LIPIP with dinotefuran, statistically equal to 1.08 and 1.36 LIPIP of the CC; at 30 days, the mixture of plant extracts followed dinotefuran with 3.14 LIPIP. The effectiveness of these insecticides ranged from 73 % to 98 %; they are recommended for controlling coffee root mealybugs.
The weevil Ecnomorhinus quasimodus Vanin, 1986, is an emerging pest in coffee crops in northern Nari & ntilde;o, Colombia, between 1,700 m and 2,200 m above sea level. The larvae sweep the pith and damage the vascular bundles, weakening the branches until they break under the weight of the fruits. Therefore, the biology, behavior, natural enemies, and host plants of E. quasimodus were studied to evaluate the effectiveness of sanitary pruning as a control strategy in infested coffee plantations. The study was conducted over a year in three affected coffee plots on a farm in the municipality of Col & oacute;n (Nari & ntilde;o). The insect's developmental stages were described, its populations were monitored, natural enemies and hosts were identified, and sanitary pruning was evaluated to reduce its incidence. The weevil's biological cycle was completed in approximately 4.5 months and included the egg, larva, prepupa, pupa, and adult stages, all of which developed within the branches. Peaks in egg laying occurred in May, November, and December, coinciding with increased rainfall. Parasitoids of eggs (Heterospilus sp.) and larvae (Goniozus sp. and Horismenus sp.) were recorded. In addition to coffee (Coffea arabica), eight plant species were identified as alternate hosts. Sanitary pruning reduced the incidence of infestation from 26% to 0.11%. It is recommended to combine this practice with biological conservation control, avoiding the use of insecticides, which could the the weevil's natural enemies.
Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) are pests in coffee, Coffea arabica, in different coffee-producing countries and affect both the roots and the aerial part; however, their biology and population dynamics remain poorly studied. This study aimed to evaluate the life cycle of Pseudococcus elisae and analyze the field dynamics of mealybugs species present in coffee roots. The life cycle was carried out under controlled conditions (25 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C, 70 %- 80 % RH, and photoperiod 12:12 h [L: D]), on 100 four-month-old coffee plants and 100 fruits of Cucurbita moschata; additionally, fecundity and fertility parameters were recorded. In C. arabica the duration from egg to adult was 98.1 +/- 1.3 days for females and 68 +/- 0.4 days for males; each female lays an average of 231 +/- 3.6 eggs from which 197.3 +/- 6.2 nymphs emerged; the sexual ratio was 11 female: 6 male. In C. moschata the duration from egg to adult was 92.1 +/- 0.3 days for females and 67.2 +/- 0.3 days for males, each female lays an average of 201 +/- 3.6 eggs, of which 182.7 +/- 4.8 nymphs emerged, the sexual ratio was 8 female: 8 male. In the field, it was found that 70.4 % of the plants had mealybugs, and they were observed from the first month of age; of these, 82.7% had P. elisae and Dysmicoccus texensis species-complex, which encysted the roots of coffee plants starting at eleven months of age.
The weevil Ecnomorhinus quasimodus Vanin, 1986, is an emerging pest in coffee crops in northern Nariño, Colombia, between 1,700 m and 2,200 m above sea level. The larvae sweep the pith and damage the vascular bundles, weakening the branches until they break under the weight of the fruits. Therefore, the biology, behavior, natural enemies, and host plants of E. quasimodus were studied to evaluate the effectiveness of sanitary pruning as a control strategy in infested coffee plantations. The study was conducted over a year in three affected coffee plots on a farm in the municipality of Colón (Nariño). The insect's developmental stages were described, its populations were monitored, natural enemies and hosts were identified, and sanitary pruning was evaluated to reduce its incidence. The weevil's biological cycle was completed in approximately 4.5 months and included the egg, larva, prepupa, pupa, and adult stages, all of which developed within the branches. Peaks in egg laying occurred in May, November, and December, coinciding with increased rainfall. Parasitoids of eggs (Heterospilus sp.) and larvae (Goniozus sp. and Horismenus sp.) were recorded. In addition to coffee (Coffea arabica), eight plant species were identified as alternate hosts. Sanitary pruning reduced the incidence of infestation from 26% to 0.11%. It is recommended to combine this practice with biological conservation control, avoiding the use of insecticides, which could aggravate the problem by affecting the weevil's natural enemies.
Las cochinillas harinosas (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) incluyen especies plaga en el café (Coffea arabica); en diferentes países productores del grano afectan las raíces y la parte aérea; sin embargo, la biología y su dinámica han sido poco estudiadas. Este estudio evaluó el ciclo de vida de Pseudococcus elisae y la dinámica en campo de especies de Pseudococcidae presentes en las raíces del café. El ciclo de vida se estudió a 25 °C ± 2 °C, 70 % - 80 % HR y fotoperiodo 12:12 h [L: D], sobre 100 plantas de almácigos de café de cuatro meses de edad y en 100 frutos de Cucurbita moschata; adicionalmente se registraron los parámetros de fecundidad y fertilidad. En C. arabica la duración de huevo a adulto fue de 98,1±1,3 días para las hembras y 68 ± 0,4 días para los machos; cada hembra depositó 231 ± 3,6 huevos y emergieron 197,3 ± 6,2 ninfas, la razón sexual fue de 11♀: 6♂. En C. moschata la duración de huevo a adulto fue de 92,1 ± 0,3 días para las hembras y 67,2 ± 0,3 días para los machos, cada hembra depositó 201 ± 3,6 huevos y emergieron 182,7 ± 4,8 ninfas, la razón sexual fue de 8♀: 8♂. En el campo se encontró que el 70,4 % de las plantas tenían cochinillas harinosas, y se observaron desde el primer mes de edad; de estas, el 82,7 % presentaron P. elisae y el complejo de especies de Dysmicoccus texensis, que enquistaron las raíces de las plantas de café a partir de los 11 meses de edad.
Ants, as eusocial insects essential to terrestrial ecosystems, are found across a wide range of habitats around the world. In Durango, Mexico, the convergence of Nearctic and Neotropical regions promotes high species diversity. This study analyzed ant diversity patterns across five vegetation types in the state. From August 2016 to September 2017, we collected 1,590 specimens representing 5 subfamilies, 14 tribes, 23 genera, and 36 species. Myrmicinae was the most diverse subfamily (19 species), followed by Formicinae (10 species), Dolichoderinae (5 species), with Ponerinae and Dorylinae each represented by a single species. We assessed alpha diversity using Hill numbers (0D, 1D, 2D) and spatial beta diversity through Jaccard (incidence) and Bray-Curtis (abundance) indices. Results showed that the Xerophytic Shrubland (MX) exhibited the highest species richness (0D) and diversity (1D, 2D). Abundance-based beta diversity ranged from 0.52 % to 0.95 %, indicating significant differences in species composition among habitats. This study highlights the remarkable ant diversity in Durango, influenced by distinct vegetation types, with Xerophytic Shrubland showing the highest diversity. These findings underscore the importance of environmental factors in shaping ant community distribution and richness, providing valuable information for biodiversity conservation.
In Colombia, the increased use of pyrethroids and organophosphates in response to rising dengue cases and the emergence of chikungunya and Zika has led to the development of resistance in Aedes aegypti. This highlights the need to explore the effectiveness of other insecticides against Ae. aegypti and the diseases it transmits. In this context, we assessed the susceptibility of 15 Ae. aegypti populations from C & oacute;rdoba, Colombia, to propoxur, a carbamate insecticide. Susceptibility was evaluated using a standardized bottle assay with a diagnostic dose (DD) of 12.5 mu g/bottle and a diagnostic time (DT) of 30 minutes, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The results showed that the evaluated populations were susceptible to propoxur, with 100 % mortality. This finding underscores the potential of propoxur for managing Ae. aegypti in areas where there is resistance to traditional insecticides in the of C & oacute;rdoba.
Stored grain pests differ in their feeding behavior and damage potential. This study evaluated the comparative impact of three key storage pests of wheat Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), Trogoderma granarium (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), and Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) under controlled laboratory conditions. Homogeneous-age insects were introduced separately for each species into vials containing 2 grams of whole wheat grains, with three replicates per species, as experiments were conducted independently for all three species. After 35 days, data were recorded on insect survival, number and weight of damaged grains, number and weight of undamaged grains, and percent weight loss. S. oryzae exhibited the highest mean number of live insects (16.67), followed by T. granarium (9.89) and T. castaneum (6.67). S. oryzae also caused the most grain damage (21.33 damaged grains) and the most significant weight loss (16.75 %), followed by T. castaneum (8.56 grains, 2.07 %) and T. granarium (2.56 grains, 0.74 %). Regression analysis revealed a strong relationship between insect number and weight loss for S. oryzae (R2 = 0.57) and T. granarium (R2 = 0.46), but a weak relationship for T. castaneum (R2 = 0.0044), likely due to its lower survival and superficial feeding behavior. These findings provide comparative insights into species-specific damage patterns and may inform more targeted post-harvest pest management strategies.
Determining the spatial distribution of populations of Heilipus lauri and Stenoma catenifer, insects of economic and quarantine importance in avocado, is a useful information for designing and implementing integrated pest management plans. Aggregate spatial distribution is considered one of the most common patterns in nature, however, it has not been documented for these insect pest species. We propose through spatial statistical methods the analysis of data from periodic monitoring where the number of fruits with damage (FWD) caused by the two insect pests was recorded. The study was conducted between 2019-2020 in four commercial orchards of avocado cv. Hass in the department of Cauca, Colombia. A sampling design was established based on the recognition of damage on previously geopositioned trees. The spatial distribution was determined through Taylor's power law and Ripley's K function. Taylor's aggregation coefficient (b) was 1.47 and 1.22 for H. lauri and S. catenifer, respectively, indicating aggregation. Ripley's K function identified aggregation points of FWD in a radius range of 3-35 meters, with the aggregation sites being consistent across the two productive cycles. The damage was mapped indicating aggregation sites that will allow the implementation of management strategies for quarantine importance insect pests of avocado in specific sites of the crop, showing the precise location of the greatest concentration of damage and populations of H. lauri and S. catenifer.
Avocado Persea americana Mill., is a crop of great economic importance in Mexico and it is affected by pests that cause significant damage. Traditionally, pest control in avocado crops has been based on the use of organosynthetic pesticides; however, their excessive and indiscriminate use has negative effects on the environment, health, and quality of the fruit. In the search for more sustainable alternatives for the control of agricultural pests, the use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) as biological control agents is one of the most promising options. To explore possible EPNs associated with avocado crops, soil samples were collected from six avocado orchards in the municipality of Atapan, Michoac & aacute;n, Mexico, and possible entomopathogenic agents were isolated using the bait insect technique with Galleria mellonella larvae. The molecular characterization through partial sequencing of the SSU (Small Subunit) and ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) regions of strain ANP003 confirmed that one of the isolates corresponds to the species Pristionchus pacificus, this represents the first report in Mexico of a nematode associated with avocado crop. The genetic distance analysis of SSU-18S allowed us to know the close relationship of this isolate with the entomopathogenic nematode Pristionchus entomophilus.
Looking back over 50 years of studying social insects, this article identifies eight outstanding problems in social insect biology: 1) Can life cycles of individual organisms serve as a reliable model for the colony cycle?; 2) Does the production of workers and sexuals in social hymenopterans fit the bang-bang model?; 3) Do females in social hymenopterans have a smaller individual behavioural repertory than those of solitary hymenopterans?; 4) Is memory in termite workers and soldiers limited to the sensory level?; 5) Do some social wasps and/or bees demonstrate coordinated colony defense?; 6) Is there an induced defense in termite colonies at the level of caste proportions?; 7) Are social wasps passing through a period of global population decrease?; and 8) Is there a relationship between the level of primary production in the habitat and the proportion of social species among the insects?
