Abstract The ground beetle, Neoaulacoryssus speciosus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) is of high relevance to field because it has been recorded as a pest of seeds and young plants of vegetables and other crops and a predator in agricultural crops, forest and weeds in Brazil. However, natural habitat changes are increasing agriculture and forest insect outbreaks in urban areas. A N. speciosus population outbreak occurred in October and November 2018 simultaneously in 12 neighboring municipalities at the beginning of the rainy season in the northern region of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The objectives of this study were to report a sudden and simultaneous population outbreak of N. speciosus and to describe the factors of habitat change that could have contributed to this invasion in 12 municipalities in the northern region of Minas Gerais State in the Caatinga biome of Brazil. In addition, female and male genitals were described and illustrated, the scientific classification revised and common names of N. speciosus listed. Thousands of males and females of N. speciosus agglomerated in shady, humid places during the day and night for about 15 days. Neoaulacoryssus speciosus has been identified and illustrated, its scientific classification revised and four common names listed for this species.

Abstract Production and sale of botanical insecticides depend on knowing the potential opportunities for these products. Essential oils from plants secondary metabolism can control pests, especially in agricultural systems where synthetic insecticides are limited, as in organic agriculture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of essential oils to Diaphania hyalinata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and to show regions with the potential to use Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Citrus sinensis, and Syzygium aromaticum in the formulation and commercialization of insecticides to control this insect. The C. zeylanicum oil was more toxic to larvae and pupae and the S. aromaticum to eggs of D. hyalinata. Essential oils are an alternative for the management of D. hyalinata. The production of pesticides from essential oils of C. zeylanicum, C. sinensis, and S. aromaticum to control D. hyalinata has high potential in America. Also, Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia can extract these plants to formulate insecticide molecules for the America countries. products pests limited agriculture Lepidoptera (Lepidoptera Crambidae sinensis insect C S D Also Africa Europe East countries

Abstract Cultivation of species of the genus Eucalyptus is important for the Brazilian economy, with 6.97 million hectares planted. Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), detected in Brazil in 2003, has dispersed and now damages Eucalyptus crops in all regions of this country. The location and identification of entomopathogenic fungi isolates may increase the options for integrated pest management. The objective of this research was to evaluate the pathogenicity of Cordyceps cateniannulata and Cordyceps javanica isolates to G. brimblecombei. Ten nymphs of G. brimblecombei, with or without lerps, were placed per Eucalyptus leaf cut with one of its edges on hydroretentive gel inside Petri dishes. The fungi isolates were suspended in a solution of Tween 80 (0.1%) at the concentration of 1.0 x 108 conidia mL-1 and sprayed on the G. brimblecombei nymphs. The mortality of this insect was evaluated daily for seven days, and the dead individuals were transferred to humid chambers. The conidia viability of the isolates was greater than 93%. The mortality of G. brimblecombei nymphs, seven days after the application of the fungi, was 100%. This is the first report of the pathogenicity of C. cateniannulata and C. javanica isolates, occurring naturally in the field, to G. brimblecombei.

RESUMO O cultivo de hortaliças requer alto consumo de água e controle de plantas daninhas. A cobertura do solo com papel reciclado pode ser uma alternativa biodegradável ao filme de polietileno para reduzir a incidência de plantas daninhas, temperatura do solo e aumentar a eficiência do uso da água além de reduzir custos e poluição ambiental. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o uso do mulch biodegradável no manejo de plantas daninhas e eficiência do uso da água (EUA) na cultura da alface. Os tratamentos foram papel reciclado marrom (RP), filme de polietileno preto (PF) e solo sem cobertura com remoção de plantas daninhas (WR) e sem remoção de plantas daninhas (WW). O RP e PF foram eficientes no controle das plantas daninhas. A temperatura do solo com RP foi 8,2 e 2,1ºC menor que PF e WR, respectivamente. A produtividade da alface com RP foi 14,5 e 28,3% superior ao WR e PF, respectivamente. O volume de água aplicado com RP foi 26,5% menor e EUA foi 55,6% maior em comparação a WR. A cobertura do solo com papel reciclado controlou a incidência de plantas daninhas, reduziu a temperatura do solo e o consumo de água e aumentou a produtividade e eficiência do uso da água na cultura da alface.

ABSTRACT Vegetable cultivation requires high water use and weed control. Soil cover using recycled paper, can be an alternative to polyethylene film to reduce weed incidence, soil temperature and increase water use efficiency beyond reduces costs and environmental pollutions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of biodegradable mulch in weed management and water use efficiency (WUE) in lettuce crop. The treatments were composed of brown recycled paper (RP), black polyethylene film (PF) and soil without cover with weed removal (WR) and without weed removal (WW). RP and PF were efficient to control weeds. The soil temperature with RP was 8.2 and 2.1ºC lower than with PF and WR, respectively. The lettuce yield with RP was 14.5 and 28.3% higher than WR, and with PF, respectively. The water volume applied with RP was 26.5% lower, and WUE was 55.6% higher compared to WR. Soil cover with recycled paper controlled weeds, reduced soil temperature and water consumption and increased yield and water use efficiency in lettuce crop.

Abstract Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) can control pests due to their mutual association with bacteria. The use of these biological control agents is increasing worldwide due to advances in research about its control efficiency, range of action and mass production. The identification of EPNs adapted to specific environmental and climatic conditions is important for sustainable pest suppression in integrated management (IPM) programs. The objective is to report, for the first time, the occurrence of the Steinernema diaprepesi in Brazil. Steel mesh traps with Galleria mellonella Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae were buried in red latosol cultivated with Eucalyptus. Infective juveniles (IJs) were isolated from dead larvae and multiplied in healthy ones of this host to confirm its pathogenicity and to start a laboratory population from the strain found in the field. The DNA of the IJs was extracted and amplified using PCR technique with the universal primers D2A and D3B. The detection of S. diaprepesi is the first report of this nematode in Brazil, increasing the knowledge about its distribution in the world and the diversity of EPNs that must be considered as agents of biological pest control in the country.

RESUMO Espécies de Thysanoptera podem transmitir vírus para vegetais da família Solanaceae, incluindo plantas de tomate para processamento industrial, causando a doença vira-cabeça do tomateiro (TSWV). A resistência dos tripes a inseticidas indica a necessidade urgente de técnicas adequadas às práticas de Manejo Integrado de Pragas. O objetivo foi avaliar a eficiência de controle (CE%) de Frankliniella schultzei (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) com o fungo Beauveria bassiana (Bb), o indutor de resistência silicato de potássio (KSil) e o inseticida químico profenofós + cipermetrina (PC) isolados, ou em misturas binárias. Os tratamentos foram aplicados via foliar nas plantas de tomate com Bb (T1), KSil (T2) e PC (T3) isolados ou em misturas binárias Bb+KSil (T4), PC+KSil (T5) e Bb+PC (T6). Os tripes foram amostrados com bandejas plásticas aos 0, 1, 7, 14 e 21 dias após a aplicação (daa). A CE% de cada produto (isolado ou em misturas) diferiu em todos os intervalos de tempo. O tratamento Bb+KSil teve alta CE% desde as primeiras 24 horas da aplicação até o final do período experimental, variando entre 95% (1 daa) a 41,5% (21 daa). A CE% diminuiu em todos os tratamentos com um comportamento quadrático ao longo do tempo. O inseticida PC, isolado, apresentou uma diminuição para a CE% através de uma regressão linear. Análises de agrupamento indicaram que o efeito do Bb+KSil foi mais heterogêneo do que o dos outros tratamentos avaliados. O sinergismo entre Bb e KSil, em mistura, indica seu potencial em programas de Manejo Integrado de Pragas de F. schultzei em plantas de tomate para processamento industrial.

ABSTRACT Thysanoptera species can transmit virus to Solanaceae family vegetables, including tomato plants for industrial processing, causing the disease known as Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV). Thrips resistance to insecticides indicate the urgent need of techniques adequate for Integrate Pest Management practices. The objective was to evaluate the control efficiency (CE%) against Frankliniella schultzei (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) of the fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bb), the resistance inducer potassium silicate (KSil) and the chemical insecticide profenophos + cypermethrin (PC) isolated, or in binary mixtures. The treatments were foliar spraying on tomato plants with Bb (T1), KSil (T2) and PC (T3) isolated or in mixtures of Bb+KSil (T4), PC+KSil (T5) and Bb+PC (T6). Thrips were sampled with white plastic trays at 0, 1, 7, 14 and 21 days after application (daa). The CE% of each product (isolated or in mixtures) differed at all time intervals. The Bb+KSil treatment had highest CE% from 24 hours of application, until the end of the experiment, ranging from 95% (1 daa) to 41.5% (21 daa). The CE% decreased in all treatments with a quadratic curve behavior, throughout time. PC insecticide, isolated, showed a decreased CE% through a linear regression. Grouping analyzes indicated the Bb+KSil effect was more dissimilar than the other evaluated treatments. Synergism between Bb and KSil, in mixture, indicate its potential for Integrated Pest Management programs of F. schultzei in tomato plants for industrial processing.

Abstract Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner, 1818 (Lepidoptera) is a major pest of soybean in the Brazil. It is known that the reduction of proteolytic activity by the ingestion of protease inhibitors reduces digestion and larval development of the insects. Control via inhibition of the digestive enzymes necessitates deeper knowledge of the enzyme kinetics and the characterization of the inhibition kinetics of these proteases, for better understanding of the active centers and action mechanisms of this enzyme. Trypsin-like proteases found in the gut of Anticarsia gemmatalis were purified in a p-aminobenzamidine agarose column. Kinetic characterization showed KM 0.503 mM for the L-BApNA substrate; Vmax= 46.650 nM s-1; Vmax/[E]= 9.256 nM s-1 mg L-1 and Vmax/[E]/KM= 18.402 nM s-1 mg L-1 mM. The Ki values for the inhibitors benzamidine, berenil, SKTI and SBBI were 11.2 µM, 32.4 µM, 0.25 nM and 1.4 nM, respectively, and all revealed linear competitive inhibition. The SKTI showed the greatest inhibition, which makes it a promising subject for future research to manufacture peptide mimetic inhibitors.

Abstract The response of plants to grazing includes the production of chemical defense compounds such as proteases inhibitors and secondary metabolites as flavonoids, which makes them less palatable to feeding and negatively affecting the physiology of insects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical response of soybean cultivars (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) resistant (IAC-17, IAC-24) and susceptible (IAC-P1) to insects after mechanical damage. These cultivars were mechanically injured, and after 24 hours samples of these plants were analyzed by HPLC to identify and quantify flavonoids. The flavonoids daidzein, quercetin, and rutin were quantified, with the highest concentration of daidzin in soybean cultivars after mechanical damage. Rutin was biosynthesized by IAC-24. The cultivars IAC-PL1, IAC-17, and IAC-24 did not show a flavonoid response to mechanical damage. The soybean cultivars are not dependent on mechanical damage to produce flavonoids.

Abstract Herbicides can impact non-target metabolic pathways in natural enemies and lead to the reduction of these populations in the field. Behavioral characteristics, morphology and histology of reproductive structures and reproduction of females of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) were evaluated under the effect of the herbicides atrazine, nicosulfuron and the mixture of both. The number of mature oocytes per ovary was lower in females exposed to the herbicides atrazine, nicosulfuron and the mixture of both. Herbicides did not affect the longevity and mortality of P. nigrispinus, therefore, they are selective for this predator. On the other hand, herbicides can cause sublethal effects by affecting the reproduction of predators.

Abstract The sweet potato is an alternative energy source, but its sustainability depends on efficient water use. The objective of this study was to evaluate sweet potato morpho-physiological characteristics, and water use efficiency (WUE). Irrigation depths of 50, 75, 100, and 125% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) were applied. The morpho-physiological indicators, WUE, leaf area index (LAI), leaf water potential, leaf temperature, and leaf chlorophyll index (ICF), were evaluated. The WUE of the sweet potato cultivars increased until the 75% water depth of the ETc. The LAI of these cultivars increased with irrigation depth, with higher values at 100% of the ETc. The leaf water potential of the two sweet potato cultivars was lowest with the lower irrigation depth. Leaf temperature was closer to that of ambient temperatures in treatments with greater irrigation depth. The increase of the WUE with the greater accumulation of dry biomass is due to greater CO2 diffusion by stomata. The reduction in the growth of these plants is due to water stress limiting stomatal conductance, transpiration, leaf growth (LAI) and chlorophyll concentration, proportional to soil moisture conditions. The functional relationship between soil moisture and growth is essential to optimize irrigation management at different growth stages.

ABSTRACT The host acceptance behavior and environmental factors as temperature affect the feeding behavior of Lepidoptera pests. Thus, they must be considered in studies about the risk potential of resistance evolution. The current study sets the differences in the feeding behavior of neonate Alabama argillacea (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae exposed to Bt and non-Bt cotton plants, under different temperatures and time gap after hatching. Two cotton cultivars were used: the Bt (DP 404 BG - bollgard) and the non-transformed isoline, DP 4049. We found that the feeding behavior of neonate A. argillacea is significantly different between Bt and non-Bt cotton. Based on the number of larvae with vegetal tissue in their gut found on the plant and in the organza as well as on the amount of vegetal tissue ingested by the larvae. A. argillacea shows feeding preference for non-Bt cotton plants, in comparison to that on the Bt. However, factors such as temperature and exposure time may affect detection capacity and plant abandonment by the larvae and it results in lower ingestion of vegetal tissue. Such results are relevant to handle the resistance of Bt cotton cultivars to A. argillacea and they also enable determining how the cotton seeds mix will be a feasible handling option to hold back resistance evolution in A. argillacea populations on Bt cotton, when it is compared to other refuge strategies. The results can also be useful to determine which refuge distribution of plants is more effective for handling Bt cotton resistance to A. argillacea.

ABSTRACT Coffee is one of the most important Brazilian agricultural commodities exported, and Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo States are the main coffee producers. Scale insects are important coffee pests, and 73 species of Cerococcidae (3), Coccidae (18), Diaspididae (6), Eriococcidae (1), Ortheziidae (3), Pseudococcidae (21), Putoidae (2) and Rhizoecidae (19) have been associated with roots, branches, leaves, flowers and fruits of Arabica coffee in the Neotropics. Eight species were found associated with Arabica coffee in Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo States in this study, and Coccidae was the most frequent family. Coccus alpinus, Cc. celatus, Cc. lizeri, Cc. viridis, and Saissetia coffeae (Coccidae) were found in both states; Alecanochiton marquesi, Pseudaonidia trilobitiformis (Diaspididae), and Dysmicoccus texensis (Pseudococcidae) were only found in Minas Gerais. Alecanochiton marquesi and P. trilobitiformis are first reported in Minas Gerais, and Cc. alpinus in Espírito Santo, on Arabica coffee. All scale insect species were associated with coffee leaves and branches, except D. texensis, associated with coffee roots. Fourty seven scale insect species have been found occurring in Brazilian Arabica coffee, and in Espírito Santo (28) and Minas Gerais (23). Widespread and geographical distribution of each species found are discussed.

Growth patterns and distribution of dry matter in different parts of potato plants (Solanum tuberosum, Solanaceae) with green manure can be positively influenced by the use of green manure. The aim was to evaluate the dry matter accumulation and pro-ductivity of potato with varying quantities of sunn hemp, Crotalaria juncea (Fabaceae) as a nitrogen source. The experiment used three different amounts of sunn hemp, equivalent to 100, 200 and 400 Kg ha-1 nitrogen (N), the recommended mineral N dose (250 Kg ha-1), and a treatment with zero N. Sampling was carried out at 35, 50, 65 and 80 days after planting, representing the subplots. The treatments were arranged in a randomized block design with split plot, the plot were enlarged fertilization and the small plot sampling dates. Four replications were used. Dry matter accumulation in the shoots of potato was greater with sunn hemp than with mineral nitrogen. The accumulation of dry matter in tubers and in the whole plant increased over time at higher rates of sunn hemp than with mineral fertilizer. Commercial and total potato productivity increased with sunn hemp quantity. Green manure at higher rates (400 and 200 Kg ha-1) increased the accumulation of dry matter in potato aboveground parts and in tubers. The commercial productivity of potato was 24% greater with green manure than with mineral fertilizers, indicating the potential of sunn hemp to provide adequate quantities of nitrogen for the growth and development of this crop.

Los patrones de crecimiento y la distribución de materia seca en las diferentes partes de la planta de papa Solanum tuberosum (Solanaceae) pueden ser influenciados positivamente por la utilización de abono verde. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar la acumulación de materia seca y el rendimiento de papa con diferentes dosis de Crotalaria juncea (Fabaceae) como fuente de nitrógeno. En el experimento se utilizó tres dosis de crotalaria, equivalente a 100, 200 y 400 kg ha-1 de N, la dosis mineral recomendada para el cultivo (250 kg ha-1 de N) y un tratamiento sin fertilización. Se realizó muestreos a los 35, 50, 65 y 80 días después de la siembra, representado a las subparcelas. Se utilizó un diseño experimental en bloques al azar con arreglo en parcelas divididas, la parcela consideró dosis de fertilización y las subdivisiones las fechas de muestreo. Se consideró cuatro repeticiones por tratamiento. La acumulación de materia seca en la parte aérea fue mayor en plantas de papas manejadas con crotalaria en comparación con plantas fertilizadas con la dosis mineral. En los tubérculos y en la planta entera, la tasa de acumulación de materia seca aumentó por medio del tiempo y fue mayor con la crotalaria que con la dosis mineral. El rendimiento comercial y el rendimiento total de papa aumentaron en función de la cantidad de la crotalaria. Altas dosis (400 y 200 kg ha-1) incrementaron la acumulación de materia seca en la parte aérea de la planta y en el tubérculo. El rendimiento comercial de la papa con crotalaria fue 24% mayor que con la dosis mineral, esto demuestra el potencial de este abono verde para suplir las cantidades adecuadas de nitrógeno requerido para el crecimiento y desarrollo de este cultivo.

RESUMO Este trabalho registra o primeiro relato de Megastigmustransvaalensis Hussey (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) em drupas de aroeira-vermelha brasileira, Schinusterebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae), em Sorocaba, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Essa vespa é uma espécie invasora e foi encontrada danifi cando drupas de S.terebinthifolius em áreas urbanas (35,0±15,8%), florestas nativas (21,5±10,2%) e áreas de restauração (15,8±8,4%). A bioecologia e os danos causados por M.transvaalensis em drupas de S. terebinthifolius justifi cam mais estudos visando o manejo dessa vespa fi tófaga. Megastigmus transvaalensis tem um potencial de ser disseminado por todo Brasil e representa uma ameaça para a regeneração natural de S. terebinthifolius em florestas nativas e áreas de recomposição e restauração ecológica do país.

ABSTRACT This paper records the first report of Megastigmus transvaalensis Hussey (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) in Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae) drupes in Sorocaba, state of São Paulo, Brazil. This wasp is an invasive species and was found damaging S. terebinthifolius drupes in urban areas (35.0±15.8%), natural forests (21.5±10.2%) and restoration areas (15.8±8.4%). The bio-ecology and damage caused by M. transvaalensis in the S. terebinthifolius drupes warrants further study focused upon the management of this phytophagous wasp. Megastigmus transvaalensis has a potential to be disseminated throughout Brazil and is posing a threat to the natural regeneration of S. terebinthifolius in the native forests and restoration areas and ecological regions of this country.

The diversity of plants in agricultural systems benefits natural enemies. Herbicides are used in weed management in corn (Zea mays L.) to reduce competition and productivity losses, but they can impact natural enemies and contaminate the environment. The objective was to evaluate toxicity of herbicides on pupae parasitoid Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare and LaSalle, 1993 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). The treatments were represented by the host pupae Tenebrio molitor L., 1785 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and herbicides atrazine, nicosulfuron, paraquat, and tembotrione in commercial doses compared to a control treatment with water. Pupae of T. molitor were immersed in the solution of herbicides and exposed to parasitism by six females of P. elaeisis each. The herbicides atrazine and paraquat were highly toxic and, therefore, not selective to P. elaeisis. Nicosulfuron reduced the sex ratio of P. elaeisis (0.20 ± 0.03), which may affect subsequent generations. Moreover, the herbicide tembotrione was selective to P. elaeisis, showing results comparable to the control. Floristic diversity of weeds can increase food source, habitat, shelter, breeding places and microclimates for insect parasitoids but herbicides formulations can be toxic and these products can affect P. elaeisis or its hosts by direct or indirect contact, showing the importance of selectivity studies for this natural enemy. However, the herbicide tembotrione was selective to P. elaeisis and it can be recommended for programs of sustainable management of weeds in corn crop with this parasitoid.