Population Dynamics of Stenoma catenifer (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae) and Related Larval Parasitoids in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Authors

  • Dori E. Nava
  • Jos R. P. Parra
  • Valmir A. Costa
  • Tnia M. Guerra
  • Fernando L. Cnsoli

Abstract

The avocado seed moth Stenoma catenifer Walsingham (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae) can cause total production losses and is considered a key pest of avocado in Brazil. This research aimed to evaluate the larval dynamics of S. catenifer and its associated parasitoids in an avocado growing region throughout two consecutive agricultural seasons. The highest percentage of fruits attacked by S. catenifer was found in the period near harvest, starting in June. The percentage of infested fruits in the first agricultural season was approximately 60, near 11 above that of the second season. Five undetermined braconids within five genera (Dolichogenidea sp., Hypomicrogaster sp., Apanteles sp., Chelonus sp., and Hymenochaonia sp.) and two ichneumonids (Eudeleboea sp. and Pristomerus sp.) were found. Dolichogenidea sp. and Apanteles sp. were the most abundant, and therefore are the species with the highest potential as S. catenifer population regulators. In both seasons, the emergence peak of parasitoids occurred at the end of the winter (August), when at least 30 and 40 total larval parasitism was observed.

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Published

2005-12-01

Issue

Vol. 88, No. 4 (December 2005)

Section

Literature Review Articles

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