Resumen Mejorar las técnicas para criar depredadores en el laboratorio, incluida la edad de apareamiento, es importante para obtener el mayor número de individuos para los programas de control biológico. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la fecundidad de hembras del depredador Podisus fuscescens (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) con diferentes periodos de pre-apareamiento. Los tratamientos fueron: las hembras de este depredador se aparearon inmediatamente después de la emergencia (T1) o con uno (T2), dos (T3), tres (T4), cuatro (T5) o cinco (T6) días después de la emergencia. Las hembras que se aparearon inmediatamente (T1) y un día después de la emergencia (T2) tuvieron menos posturas que las que se aparearon después de cinco días (T6). El número de ninfas por hembra fue menor para las apareadas en emergencia (T1) y uno o dos días después. El número total de huevos fue menor para las hembras apareadas un día después de la emergencia (T2) que para aquellas apareadas después de cinco días (T6). La proporción de huevos eclosionados fue menor en los tratamientos T1 y T2 en comparación con el tratamiento T6. El período de oviposición y la longevidad de las hembras de P. fuscescens fueron similares entre los tratamientos, sin embargo, el período de preoviposición fue más largo para las hembras del tratamiento T1 que para las de T5 y T6 y el período de posoviposición fue más largo en las hembras del tratamiento T1. Las hembras de P. fuscescens necesitan cinco días después de la emergencia para que su sistema reproductivo madure, lo que mejora su aptitud y evita copulaciones innecesarias.

Abstract The improvement of techniques for the mass rearing of predators in the laboratory, including the age of mating is important to obtain the largest number of individuals for biological control programs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the females’ fecundity of the predator Podisus fuscescens (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) with different pre-mating periods. The females of this predator were mated immediately after emergence (T1) or with one (T2), two (T3), three (T4), four (T5) or five (T6) days after emergence. The females mated immediately and one day after the emergency (T1 and T2) had fewer egg clusters than those mated after five days (T6). The number of nymphs per female was lower for those mated immediately after the emergence (T1) and with one (T2) or two days (T3). The total number of eggs was lower in females mated one day after emergence (T2) than for those mated after five days (T6). The proportion of hatched eggs was lower in the treatments T1 and T2 than in the T6. The oviposition and longevity of P. fuscescens females were similar between treatments; however, the pre-oviposition period longer in the T1 than T5 and T6. The pos-oviposition period was longer in the T1. Podisus fuscescens females require five days after emergence to mature their reproductive system, which improves their fitness and avoids unnecessary mating.

Resumen Las malezas deben ser controladas con métodos de bajo impacto y agroquímicos selectivos que afectan poco o nada a organismos no blanco. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto del herbicida atrazina (clase triazina) en 10 especies de Trichogrammatidae (Hymenoptera). Una hembra de 10 especies de estos enemigos naturales se colocó individualmente en un tubo de ensayo de vidrio (prueba de libre elección) con dos tarjetas de papel que contenían 45 huevos de Anagasta (Ephestia) kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) (tratamiento y control), con 10 repeticiones. Las tarjetas se rociaron con el herbicida atrazina a 8,07 L/ha y las del control con agua destilada. Durante 48 h se permitió el parasitismo de estos enemigos naturales. La atrazina cambia el comportamiento de los parasitoides hembra al reducir las tasas de parasitismo (≈ 71 %) y de emergencia (≈ 74 %) y la proporción de sexos (≈ 74 %) de las especies de Trichogrammatidae, excepto para Trichogramma galloi y T. bennetti. Ninguna hembra emergió de huevos parasitados por T. acacioi, Trichogrammatoidea annulata, T. atopovirilia, T. bruni, T. brasiliensis, T. demoraesi y T. soaresi en el tratamiento con atrazina. Los resultados de esta investigación revelan que el herbicida atrazina es inofensivo para T. bennetti y T. galloi, pero moderadamente dañino (80 - 99 % reducción) para las otras especies de Trichogrammatidae.

Abstrac Weeds should be controlled with low impact methods and selective agrochemicals that have little or no effect on non-target organisms. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the herbicide atrazine (triazine class) on 10 Trichogrammatidae (Hymenoptera) species. A female of 10 species of these natural enemies was individually placed in a glass test tube (freechoice test) with two paper cards containing 45 Anagasta (Ephestia) kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs (treatment and control), with 10 replications. The cards were sprayed with the herbicide atrazine at 8.07 L/ha; the control was sprayed with distilled water. Parasitism by these natural enemies was allowed for 48 h. Atrazine changes the behavior of female parasitoids, reducing the parasitism (≈ 71 %) and emergence (≈ 74 %) rates and sex ratio (≈ 74 %) of the Trichogrammatidae species, except for Trichogramma galloi and T. bennetti. No females emerged from eggs parasitized by T. acacioi, Trichogrammatoidea annulata, T. atopovirilia, T. bruni, T. brasiliensis, T. demoraesi, and T. soaresi with atrazine. The results revealed that atrazine herbicide is harmless to T. bennetti and T. galloi, but it was moderately harmful (80 - 99 % reduction) to the other Trichogrammatidae species based on the parasitism and emergence rates.

Resumen El lodo de aguas residuales es un compuesto orgánico rico en nitrógeno que aumenta el desarrollo de plantas como Platycyamus regnellii (Fabaceae), que se usa comúnmente en la recuperación de áreas degradadas. Este estudio se centra en la evaluación de los efectos ascendentes en la producción en masa vegetal y la cobertura del suelo en plantas de P. regnellii fertilizados (o no) con lodo de aguas residuales y las comunidades de artrópodos durante 24 meses. Los árboles de P. regnellii fertilizados con lodo de aguas residuales presentaron significativamente más hojas por rama, ramas por árbol, y un mayor porcentaje de cobertura del suelo en comparación con los árboles no fertilizados. Phenacoccus sp. (Pseudococcidae) fue la especie fitófaga más abundante. La fertilización no afectó la abundancia, diversidad y riqueza de especies de Hemiptera fitófagos en árboles de P. regnellii. Sin embargo, los árboles fertilizados presentaron mayor abundancia y riqueza de especies de hormigas cuidadora de trofobiontes en comparación con los árboles no fertilizados. Camponotus sp. fue la specie más abundante independientemente del tratamiento. Los árboles de P. regnellii fertilizados también presentaron mayor riqueza de especies de enemigos naturales en comparación con los no fertilizados, siendo Aranae y Dolichopodidae los más abundantes. Se concluye que las coronas más grandes de P. regnellii fueron aquellas fertilizadas con lodo de aguas residuales deshidratadas, lo que aumenta la cobertura del suelo, la diversidad de hormigas cuidadoras de trofobiontes, y de enemigos naturales. Hasta donde se conoce, este es el primer estudio sobre la comunidad de artrópodos asociada a esta especie de árbol. Esto sugiere que las plantas de P. renellii fertilizadas con lodos de depurados son adecuadas para la recuperación de áreas degradadas.

Abstract Sewage sludge is a nitrogen-rich organic compound, which can be used to aid development in plants such as Platycyamus regnellii (Fabaceae), in the recovery of degraded areas. This study aimed to assess the bottom-up effects on leaf mass and percentage of ground cover (leaf litter, herbaceous plants, and grasses) in P. regnellii trees fertilized (or not) with dehydrated sewage sludge and arthropod communities over 24 months. Platycyamus regnellii trees fertilized with dehydrated sewage sludge presented significantly more leaves per branch, branches per tree, and a higher percentage of ground cover compared to unfertilized trees. Phenacoccus sp. (Pseudococcidae) was the most abundant phytophagous insect associated with P. regnellii trees. Fertilization did not affect the abundance, diversity, and species richness of Hemiptera phytophagous on P. Regnellii trees. However, fertilized trees presented higher abundance and species richness of trophobiont-tending ants compared to unfertilized trees, with Camponotus sp. being the most abundant regardless of the treatment. Fertilized P. regnellii trees also presented higher species richness of natural enemies compared to unfertilized ones, with Aranae and Dolichopodidae being the most abundant. We concluded that fertilization with dehydrated sewage sludge improved P. regnellii trees leaf mass and ground cover and increased the diversity of trophobiont-tending ants and natural enemies. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the arthropods community associated with this tree species. This suggests that upon fertilization, P. renellii trees are useful for ecological restoration in severely disturbed areas.

ABSTRACT Insect damage to stored seeds is a challenge. Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius, 1792) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) is a major pest of seeds and grains in the world, but without record in seeds of the sudangrass (Sorghum drummondii (Poaceae)). The objective of this work was to report, for the first time, the occurrence and damage by R. dominica in S. drummondii seeds, sold in sealed packages in retail market. Four samples with 500 seeds each and without adult insects were separated from a package. The initial weight was obtained with a precision scale and the seeds were stored. The number of adult insects, the weight loss and the infestation rate of the seeds were evaluated 60 days later and the average between samples used to extrapolate the damage per package. An adult of R. dominica, on average, was obtained for each seven seeds and 54.06% of the seeds were damaged, with an average weight loss of 36.09%. This is the first report of R. dominica in sudangrass seeds and the damage inflicted shows that this insect may cause losses in the quantity and quality of seeds due to its rapid populational growth.

ABSTRACT. The objective was to study the habitat complexity of mite populations on Caryocar brasiliense trees under natural and cultivated field conditions. The study was performed in the municipality of Montes Claros, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, over 3 years. Three types of areas were studied: 1) Cerrado, 2) pasture, and 3) a university Campus. Several chlorotic spots were detected on leaves with larger populations of Tetranychus sp. and Eutetranychus sp. (Tetranychidae). The greatest numbers of Agistemus sp. (Stigmaeidae) on leaves and Histiostoma sp. (Histiostomidae) and Proctolaelaps sp. (Ascidae) on fruits were observed in the pasture, and that of Histiostoma sp. on leaves in the pasture and on the university Campus. In general, the herbivorous mites (e.g., Tetranychus sp.) found on C. brasiliense plants were correlated with more clayey soils with a higher cationic exchange capacity; larger populations of mites (e.g., Agistemus sp. and Histiostoma sp.) were found on the C. brasiliense trees with the largest crown sizes; and associations between predator mites (e.g., Agistemus sp.) and phytophagous mites (e.g., Tetranychus sp.1) were observed. Greater habitat diversity and more complex plant architectures favored the mite populations. The positive effect of loamier soil on herbivorous mites indicates that these species are adapted to Cerrado conditions. Some recorded species of herbivorous mites can be pests in commercial plantations of C. brasiliense.

ABSTRACT Caligo teucer (Linnaeus, 1758) is widely distributed in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Ecuador. The objective was to study biological aspects of Caligo teucer japetus Stichel, 1903 with banana leaves, Musa sapientium L. (Zingiberales: Musaceae), in the butterfly garden, under environmental conditions, and in the laboratory of biological control of insects at the Universidade Federal de Viçosa in Viçosa, Minas Gerais state, Brazil at 24 ± 2 oC, 68 ± 10% relative humidity and 12 hours photophase. The duration of the egg incubation, larvae, pupa and egg to adult periods of C. teucer japetus were, respectively, 11.8 ± 0.1; 53.9 ± 0.9; 17.9 ± 0.3 and 82.6 ± 1.0 days for females, and 11.8 ± 0.1; 50.3 ± 0.6; 18.4 ± 0.3 and 79.4 ± 0.6 days for males in cages in the laboratory. The longevity of C. teucer japetus adults was 26.0 ± 10.4 and 47.5 ± 8.7 for females and 24.7 ± 3.5 and 35.4 ± 15.7 for males in the butterfly garden and in laboratory cages, respectively. The high survival and the relatively short period of development of its immature stages confirm that banana leaves are an adequate food substrate for the development and survival of Caligo teucer japetus.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a distribuição espacial e temporal de Sarsina violascens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Lymantriinae) em duas plantações de Eucalyptus cloeziana, uma com faixas de vegetação nativa (CFVN) e outra sem (SFVN). Adultos foram coletados com armadilhas luminosas, as quais foram instaladas: no interior de uma área com vegetação nativa (Cerrado), a 100 m da borda; na zona de contato entre a vegetação nativa e a plantação de E. cloeziana; no interior da plantação de E. cloeziana, a 250 m da borda; na parte central da faixa de vegetação nativa, cerca de 500 m da borda (CFVN) ou na zona de contato entre dois talhões de E. cloeziana (SFVN); e no interior da plantação de E. cloeziana, a 500 m da borda. O número de adultos de S. violascens coletados foi de 240 no sistema CFVN e de 1.378 no sistema SFVN. O menor número de indivíduos no sistema CFVN provavelmente foi devido ao favorecimento do controle biológico pelo aumento da riqueza de espécies com o uso de faixas de vegetação nativa. Essas faixas, intercaladas com plantações de E. cloeziana, possibilitam maior proporção de floresta nativa na paisagem e podem auxiliar na redução de infestações por S. violascens.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate spatial and temporal distributions of Sarsina violascens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Lymantriinae) in two Eucalyptus cloeziana plantations, one with native vegetation strips (WNVS) and another without them (ONVS). Adults were collected with light traps, which were installed: inside an area of native vegetation (Cerrado), 100 m from the edge; at the contact zone between the native vegetation area and the E. cloeziana plantation; inside the E. cloeziana plantation, 250 m from the edge; at the central part of the native vegetation strip, around 500 m from the edge (WNVS) or in the contact zone between two E. cloeziana compartments (ONVS); and inside the E. cloeziana plantation, 500 m from the edge. The number of S. violascens adults collected was 240 in the system WNVS and 1,378 in the system ONVS. The lower number of individuals in the system WNVS was probably due to favored biological control provided by higher species richness with the use of native vegetation strips. These strips, intermingled with E. cloeziana plantations, allow a higher proportion of native forest in the landscape and can help to reduce S. violascens infestations.

RESUMO. Estudou-se o efeito de complexidade ambiental e arquitetura de plantas na abundância do percevejo Edessa rufomarginata (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) em pastagens e cerrado e também sua biologia. Observou-se maior número de percevejos em Caryocar brasiliense (Malpighiales: Caryocaraceae) em cerrado do que em pastagens. Percevejos foram mais abundantes em folhas e ramos do que em frutos. Pequizeiro teve maior produção de frutos em pastagens do que em cerrado. A abundância de percevejos foi afetada positivamente com alumínio, matéria orgânica e altura de árvore, mas negativamente com pH. Produtividade de pequizeiros foi afetado negativamente com alumínio, pH e número de percevejos, mas positivamente com fósforo e cálcio. O número de ovos por postura foi de 14,3; com viabilidade de 93% e período embriônico de 6,9 dias. Observou-se quatro instares ninfais, razão sexual foi de 0,43 e a duração total do ciclo de vida de E. rufomarginata foi de 156 dias. Não se obteve ovos de adultos (F1), indicando que folhas não foram boas como recurso alimentar. Maior diversidade ambiental e de estrutura de copa da planta favoreceu populações de E. rufomarginata. Abundância e danos deste inseto indicam que é uma potencial praga para árvores de C. brasiliense.

ABSTRACT. We studied the effect of environmental complexity and plant architecture on the abundance and biology of Edessa rufomarginata (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) bugs in pastures and cerrado areas. We observed higher numbers of bugs on Caryocar brasiliense (Malpighiales: Caryocaraceae) trees in the cerrado than in the pasture areas. The bugs were more abundant on leaves and branches than they were on fruits. The fruit production of Caryocar brasiliense was higher in the pastures than in the cerrado areas. The abundance of bugs was affect positively by aluminum, organic matter, and tree height but was affected negatively by soil pH. The productivity of C. brasiliense was correlated negatively with aluminum, pH, and number of bugs but was correlated positively with phosphorus and calcium. The number of eggs per clutch was 14.3, the viability was 93% and the embryonic period was 6.9 days. We observed four nymphal instars, the sex ratio was 0.43, and the duration of the life cycle of E. rufomarginata was 156 days. We did not obtain eggs from the adults (F1), which indicated that the leaves were not a good food resource. A diverse environment and high plant crown structure favored populations of E. rufomarginata. The abundance of and the damage caused by this insect indicate that E. rufomarginata is a potential pest on C. brasiliense trees.

Caryocar brasiliense (Caryocaraceae), un árbol símbolo de el Cerrado, tiene una amplia distribución y puede alcanzar los 10 m de altura y 6 m de ancho de copa. El objetivo fue estudiar la distribución de insectos chupadores (Hemiptera) y sus enemigos naturales en la copa de C. brasiliense en El Cerrado brasileño. La agrupación de las especies encontrada en la copa de los árboles de C. brasiliense mostró 1 y 3 especies raras, 9 y 7 especies comunes y 1 y 4 especies constantes para los insectos chupadores y sus enemigos naturales, respectivamente. La diversidad, el número de individuos y la riqueza de especies de Hemiptera y sus enemigos naturales fueron similares en todas las ramas del árbol huésped, según el muestreo en los puntos cardinales. Los depredadores Crematogaster sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) y Zelus armillatus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) fueron más abundante en la ramas orientadas hacia el este y el norte, respectivamente. Crematogaster sp. fue dominante en los árboles de C. brasiliense con predominio de Dikrella caryocar n. sp. (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) y Pseudoccocus sp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Los depredadores Trybonia sp. (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) y Chrysoperla spp. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) fueron mayores y disminuyeron el número de D. caryocar n. sp. y Aphis gossypii (Aphididae), respectivamente. El incremento de insectos chupadores aumentó la presencia de los enemigos naturales y la distribución diferencial de éstos influyó negativamente en los insectos chupadores. Se concluye que la velocidad y dirección de los vientos pueden afectar la distribución de insectos chupadores en la copa de los árboles de C. brasiliense, encontrándose las poblaciones más numerosas en la zona que no es afectada por el viento.

Caryocar brasiliense (Caryocaraceae), a tree characteristic of e Cerrado, is widely distributed and can reach a height of 10 meters with a six-meter-wide canopy. The objective of this study was to study the distribution of sucking insects (Hemiptera) and their natural enemies in the canopies of C. brasiliense trees in the Brazilian Cerrado. One rare, nine common, and one constant species of sucking insects and three rare, seven common, and four constant species of natural enemies were observed on C. brasiliense trees. The diversity, number of individuals, and species of Hemiptera and their natural enemies were similar in all four cardinal directions of branches of host trees. Abundance of the natural predators Crematogaster sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Zelus armillatus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) was highest on leaves of the east and north sides of the C. brasiliense trees, respectively. A large number of Crematogaster sp. was observed on C. brasiliense, with a predominance of Dikrella caryocar n. sp. (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) and Pseudoccocus sp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) also being observed. The predators Trybonia sp. (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) and Chrysoperla sp. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) showed the highest numbers, while the number of D. caryocar n. sp. and Aphis gossypii (Aphididae) decreased, respectively, in comparison to the control. An increase in the number of sucking insects also increased the number of their natural enemies, and this differential distribution negatively influenced sucking insects. The speed and direction of wind may have affected the distribution of sucking insects on different sides of C. brasiliense trees, as higher populations were found on the sides without prevailing winds.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência do parasitismo e a biologia da prole do parasitoide Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare e La Salle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) em pupas de Thyrinteina arnobia Stoll (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) quando criadas em plantas de Psidium guajava ou Eucalyptus cloeziana. Ovos de T. arnobia foram coletados e colocados em sacos de tecido tipo organza envolvendo galhos de plantas de P. guajava (T1) e E. cloeziana (T2) até as lagartas alcançarem a fase de pupa. Trinta pupas de cada tratamento foram individualizadas em tubos de vidro e expostas ao parasitismo por quatro fêmeas de P. elaeisis por 24 h. Avaliaram-se a emergência da progênie do parasitoide por pupa; a porcentagem de parasitismo, pupas mortas e de adultos de T. arnobia emergidos; a duração do ciclo de vida (ovo-adulto);a longevidade; a razão sexual; e o tamanho da cápsula cefálica e do corpo do parasitoide. A porcentagem de parasitismo, a emergência de P. elaeisis por pupa, a longevidade das fêmeas e o tamanho da cápsula cefálica e do corpo dos machos do parasitoide foram menores quando seu hospedeiro foi criado em plantas de eucalipto. Isso pode ter ocorrido devido à grande quantidade de compostos do metabolismo secundário presentes nesta planta, que podem ser acumulados no corpo do herbívoro ao se alimentar, afetando negativamente o inimigo natural. Palmistichus elaeisis mostrou-se mais adaptado à mirtácea nativa da América P. guajava.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of parasitism and biology of the parasitoid Palmistichus elaeisis Delvaree and La Salle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) progeny in pupae of Thyrinteina arnobia Stoll (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) when reared on plants of Psidium guajavaor Eucalyptus cloeziana. Eggs of T. arnobia were collected and placed in organza bags involving branches of plants of P. guajava (T1) and E. cloeziana (T2) until the larvae reach the pupal stage. Thirty pupae from each treatment were placed in glass tubes and exposed to parasitism by four females of P. elaeisis for 24 hours. It was evaluated: the emergence of the parasitoid progeny per pupa, the percentage of parasitism, dead pupae and adults of T. arnobiaemerged, the duration of the life cycle (egg to adult), longevity, sex ratio, the size of the cephalic capsule and body of the parasitoid. The percentage of parasitism, emergence of P. elaeisis per pupa, the female longevity, the size of the cephalic capsule and body of the parasitoid males were smaller when its host was created in eucalyptus plants. This may have occurred due to the large number of secondary metabolic compounds present in this plant, which can be accumulated in the body of the herbivore, negatively affecting the natural enemy. Palmistichus elaeisis was more adapted to Myrtaceae native of America P. guajava.

A mandioca é a sexta cultura mais importante no mundo, sendo atacada por diversas pragas, incluindo Erinnyis ello (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae). Este lepidóptero apresenta inimigos naturais que podem controlar de forma eficiente sua população, destacando os parasitoides oófagos Trichogramma spp. (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae). O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar Trichogramma pretiosum, T. marandobai e T. demoraesi quanto à sua capacidade de parasitismo, emergência e voo, visando selecionar a espécie mais eficiente para programas de controle biológico. Os parâmetros biológicos foram avaliados em unidades teste, consistindo de um cilindro de PVC com um circulo de plástico rígido e transparente no topo e um disco de poliestireno vedando a parte inferior. Um tubo de ensaio contendo 300 ovos de Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) parasitados por Trichogramma foi colocado no interior da unidade. Trichogramma pretiosum apresentou maior capacidade de voo (68 ± 5%) e porcentagens de parasitismo (74 ± 2%) e emergência de adultos (91 ± 3%) em laboratório, sendo indicado para criação e liberação em programas de controle biológico.

Cassava is the sixth most important crop in the world, and it is attacked by many pests, such as Erinnyis ello (L.) (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae). This lepidopteran pest has natural enemies that can efficiently control its population, such as Trichogramma spp. (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae). The objective of this research was to assess the flight capacity, parasitism and emergence of Trichogramma pretiosum, T. marandobai and T. demoraesi and to select the most efficient species among them for biological control programs. The flight capacity of these species was assessed in test units consisting of a plastic PVC cylinder with a rigid, transparent plastic circle on the upper portion of the cylinder and an extruded polystyrene disk to close the bottom of the cylinder. A tube was placed in each test unit containing a card with 300 Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs that had been parasitised by Trichogramma. These cards were later assessed to determine the parasitism rate and adult emergence of these natural enemies. Trichogramma pretiosum presented the highest flight capacity (68 ± 5%), parasitism (74 ± 2%) and percentage of adults emerged (91 ± 3%) in the laboratory, making this species suitable for mass rearing and release in biological control programs.

Respostas funcional e numérica, características reprodutivas e viabilidade de Campoletis flavicincta (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) e mortalidade após o parasitismo do hospedeiro Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) foram estudados em laboratório. Casais de C. flavicincta foram mantidos até a morte da fêmea com 10, 20, 30, 40 ou 50 lagartas dia-1 do hospedeiro S. frugiperda. Um tipo de curva de resposta funcional III foi ajustado para o número médio de lagartas fornecidas por dia, durante a vida da vespa fêmea, como a variável explicativa. Tempo de tratamento foi 0,5940 ± 0,0875h e taxa de busca instantânea 0.0047 ± 0.0020 h-1. A resposta funcional para cada um dos cinco primeiros dias de fornecimento do hospedeiro foi do tipo III. Longevidade nas cinco densidades do hospedeiro e taxa de parasitismo mostraram redução linear significativa com a densidade do hospedeiro. Produção de descendentes mostrou variação quadrática crescente com a densidade crescente do hospedeiro. Produção de fêmeas de C. flavicincta, razão sexual de descendentes, viabilidade de pupas do parasitóide e porcentagem de mortalidade de lagartas de S. frugiperda não foram afetados pela densidade do hospedeiro. Respostas funcional e numérica de C. flavicincta indicam que esse parasitóide pode ser um candidato para controle biológico de S. frugiperda.

The functional and numerical responses, reproductive characteristics, and viability of Campoletis flavicincta (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) as well as the mortality after parasitism of the host Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were analyzed in the laboratory. Campoletis flavicincta pairs were maintained until female death with 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 caterpillars day-1 of the host S. frugiperda. A type III functional response curve was fitted to the average number of caterpillars supplied per day during the female wasp lifespan, as the explanatory variable. The handling time was 0.5940 ± 0.0875h, and the instantaneous search 0.0047 ± 0.0020 h-1. The functional response for each of the first five days of the host was a type III. The longevity at the five host densities and the parasitism rate showed a significant linear decrease with the host density. The offspring production showed an increasing quadratic variation with increased host density. The production of females by C. flavicincta, the offspring sex ratio, the viability of the parasitoid pupae and the percentage of mortality of S. frugiperda caterpillars were not affected by host density. The functional and numerical responses of C. flavicincta indicate that this parasitoid could be a candidate for biological control of S. frugiperda.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do ensacamento dos frutos de Annona crassiflora (Annonaceae) no controle de Cerconota sp. (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae). 100 frutos foram ensacados com saco plástico e 100 não ensacados em cada uma das cinco categorias de diâmetro: 1 = 0,5 - 1,99; 2 = 2,00 - 3,99; 3 = 4,00 - 7,90; 4 = 8,00 - 11,90 e 5 = 12,00 - 16,00 cm. Os frutos ensacados com sacos plásticos, nos diferentes diâmetros, apresentaram-se menos broqueados. Os frutos ensacados com menos de dois cm de diâmetro não foram broqueados. Observou-se aumento na percentagem de frutos broqueados bem como no número de brocas/fruto broqueado com o aumento na categoria do diâmetro de frutos nos diferentes tratamentos. Os frutos ensacados com menos de dois cm de diâmetro apresentaram maiores diâmetros e alturas de frutos.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the use of plastic bags to protect the fruits of Annona crassiflora (Annonaceae) against Cerconota sp. (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae). As protection against this fruit-boring insect, 100 fruits were enclosed in plastic bags. Another 100 fruits were not bagged. The fruits were selected from the following five ranges of diameters: 1 = 0.5 - 1.99; 2 = 2.00 - 3.99; 3 = 4.00 - 7.90; 4 = 8.00 - 11.90; and 5 = 12.00 - 16.00 cm. The bagged fruits of various diameters were attacked less frequently by the pest. The bagged fruits with a diameter of less than two cm were not attacked. The percentage of fruits attacked and the number of larvae/fruit increased as the diameter of fruits increased in both treatments. The bagged fruits initially less than two cm in diameter showed the greatest final diameter and height.

Los árboles de Caryocar brasiliense (Caryocaraceae) tienen una amplia distribución en la sabana brasileña. Esta planta está protegida por las leyes federales y no se corta en las áreas deforestadas. Esta situación aumenta el daño a las hojas, flores y frutos por los insectos masticadores. Se estudiaron las poblaciones de herbívoros Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera y sus enemigos naturales en los árboles de Caryocar brasiliense durante tres años consecutivos. Los insectos fitófagos fueron más abundantes a principios del invierno. La mayor riqueza y diversidad se hallaron en el verano. Los enemigos naturales fueron más abundantes en primavera e invierno, con más especies y diversidad a fines de invierno. Frutos dañados por Carmenta sp. (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) y Naupactus sp.3 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) en las hojas fueron más numerosos en verano. En primavera y verano las frutas atacadas por Naupactus sp.l y sp.2 fueron más abundantes, el porcentaje de defoliación fue mayor en otoño. Apoptus sp. (Coleoptera: Elateridae) en las hojas en primavera y minadores de hoja (Lepidoptera) lo fueron más en invierno. En el caso de los enemigos naturales, Crematogaster sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) presentó mayor abundancia en las hojas y las flores en invierno y primavera y en los frutos en primavera, cuando las nuevas hojas y flores se forman; Zelus armillatus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), Holopothrips sp. (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), y el complejo de las arañas fueron más numerosos en las hojas en invierno, y Trybonia sp. (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) fue más abundante en las hojas en otoño.

Caryocar brasiliense (Caryocaraceae) trees have a wide distribution in the Brazilian savanna. This plant is protected by federal laws and is untouched in deforested areas of the Brazilian savanna. This situation increases the damage to leaves, flowers, and fruits from chewing insects. We studied populations of herbivorous Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera and their natural enemies on C. brasiliense trees for three successive years during each season in the Brazilian savanna. Phytophagous insects were most abundant at the beginning of winter and with more species and diversity in the summer. Natural enemies were most abundant in the spring and in the winter and with highest species and diversity at end of the winter. Fruits bored by Carmenta sp. (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) and Naupactus sp.3 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on the leaves were highest in the summer. Fruits scraped by Naupactus sp.l and sp.2 were more numerous in the spring and summer, percentage of defoliation in the autumn. Apoptus sp. (Coleoptera: Elateridae) on the leaves in the spring, and leaf miners (Lepidoptera) in the winter. In the case of natural enemies, Crematogaster sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) were most abundant on the leaves and in the flowers in the winter and spring, and on the fruits in the spring when new leaves and flowers are formed. The number of Zelus armillatus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), Holopothrips sp. (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), and the complex of spiders were greater on the leaves in the winter; and Trybonia sp. (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) was most abundant on the leaves in the autumn.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a percentagem de árvores sadias, vivas, galhos sadios e taxa natural de regeneração (propagação natural) de Caryocar brasiliense, associando com propriedades do solo, diversidade florística e tamanho de copa desta planta. As menores percentagens de árvores vivas de C. brasiliense e de galhos sadios foram observadas no cerrado de Ibiracatu, onde somente 30% destas estavam saudáveis, sem sinais visíveis de ataque do broqueador de tronco (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) e do fungo Phomopsis sp. As árvores de C. brasiliense localizadas em áreas cujos solos continham maiores níveis de soma de bases e areia total (fina + grossa) estavam menos saudáveis. Além disso, as áreas cujos solos continham maiores níveis de alumínio e de argila apresentaram maiores percentagens de árvores de C. brasiliense sadias e de galhos sadios. As menores percentagens de árvores vivas e sadias e com galhos vigorosos foram notados em áreas com maior diversidade florística. A maior mortalidade de árvores de C. brasiliense pode estar associado com maior pH e menor conteúdo de alumínio, de silte e argila, aliado com a competição com outras espécies florestais por nutrientes, água e luz, associado com ataque de Cossidae e principalmente do fungo Phomopsis sp.

The purpose of this work was to study the percentage of healthy trees, living trees and healthy branches and the renewal (natural propagation) of Caryocar brasiliense associated with the properties of soil, the floristic diversity and the canopy size of this plant. Lower proportions of live C. brasiliense trees and of healthy branches were found in the Savanna of Ibiracatu, where only 30% of the trees were healthy and without visible signs of attack by wood borers and by Phomopsis sp. We observed that C. brasiliense trees in areas where the soils contained higher levels of summed chemical bases and total sand (fine + gross) were less healthy. Moreover, the areas whose soils contained higher levels of aluminum and clay had a higher percentage of healthy C. brasiliense trees and branches. Smaller percentages of live and healthy trees and healthy branches were noted in areas with higher floristic diversity. Overall, the higher mortality of C. brasiliense trees may be associated with a higher pH and a lower content of aluminum, silt and clay, with competition with other tree species for nutrients, water and light, with the attack of Cossidae and particularly with the attack of fungi, Phomopsis sp.