New report of the exotic species Megalurothrips usitatus (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) infesting three commercial legumes in Nayarit, Mexico
Megalurothrips usitatus en fabáceas
Abstract
The bean flower thrips, Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is native from Asia and is a well-known pest of legumes such as common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.), pea (Pisum sativum L.), and lima bean (Phaseolus limensis Macf.) (all Fabaceae). This thrips species has been recorded recently in the Americas (USA and Cuba). Before this study there were no records of M. usitatus in Mexico; this work is the first report of M. usitatus in Mexico. We found this species attacking common beans, jicama, and cowpeas in Nayarit State. In cowpeas, it reduced production by at least 60%. The highest population was observed in jicama but no evidence of severe damage or yield loss was documented; however, the potential damage on the seed production should be evaluated. Authorities, researchers, extension agents, and growers should work together to prevent the dispersal of this pest, which may infest other economically important legumes. Chances of controlling or eradicating M. usitatus in the region are minimal if no effective alternatives are available in the short term.
Sumario
El trips de la flor del frijol, Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) es originario de Asia y es una conocida plaga de leguminosas como el frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), el caupí (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.), guisante (Pisum sativum L.) y frijol lima (Phaseolus limensis Macf.) (todas Fabaceae). Esta especie de trips ha sido registrada recientemente en las Américas (EE.UU. y Cuba). Antes de este estudio no había registros de M. usitatus en México; este trabajo es el primer reporte de M. usitatus en México. Encontramos esta especie atacando frijol común, jícama y caupí en el estado de Nayarit. En caupí, redujo la producción en al menos un 60%. La población más alta se observó en jícama pero no se documentó evidencia de daño severo o pérdida de rendimiento; sin embargo, se debe evaluar el daño potencial sobre la producción de semillas. Las autoridades, investigadores, extensionistas y productores deben trabajar juntos para evitar la dispersión de esta plaga, que puede infestar otras leguminosas económicamente importantes. Las posibilidades de controlar o erradicar M. usitatus en la región son mínimas si no se dispone de alternativas eficaces a corto plazo.
Key Words: Fabaceae; insect; pest; phytophagous; Vigna unguiculata
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