Dispersal of the zoophytophagous predator Brontocoris tabidus and Podisus nigrispinus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) in an eucalyptus plantation
Abstract
Forest plantations, especially eucalyptus, increase wood supply, avoid deforestation of native plants, and preserve local biodiversity. Defoliating caterpillars often reduce the productivity of these plantations. Rearing and releasing pentatomid predators is a strategy to manage these pests biologically. In this study, the predators Brontocoris tabidus (Signoret) and Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (both Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) were evaluated in a clonal eucalyptus (Eucalyptus urophylla Blake × Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden) (both Myrtaceae) plantation. Brontocoris tabidus dispersed further than P. nigrispinus over the 7-d trial. Males of both species dispersed more than females, and most P. nigrispinus were found within 10 m from the release point, whereas the majority of B. tabidus were observed between 15 and 30 m from their initial position of release.
Resumo
Plantios florestal, especialmente de eucalipto, garante o fornecimento madeira, evitando o desmatamento de florestas nativas e preserva a biodiversidade local. As lagartas desfolhadoras frequentemente reduzem a produtividade dessas plantações. A criação e liberação de pentatomídeos predadores é uma estratégia para manejar essas pragas, biologicamente. Nesse estudo, os predadores Brontocoris tabidus (Signoret) e Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) e (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) foram avaliados em plantio clonal de eucalipto (Eucalyptus urophylla Blake × Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden) (Myrtaceae). Brontocoris tabidus dispersou mais que P. nigrispinus ao longo de sete dias de avaliação. Machos de ambas as espécies se dispersaram mais que as fêmeas, e a maioria dos indivíduos de P. nigrispinus foram localizados a 10 metros do ponto de liberação enquanto a maioria de B. tabidus foram observados entre 15 a 30 metros da posição inicial em que foram liberados.
Key Words: distance traveled; longer coverage; lower density; releasing technique
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