Effectiveness of kaolin clay particle film in managing Helopeltis collaris (Hemiptera: Miridae), a major pest of cacao in The Philippines

Authors

  • Divina M. Amalin Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila, Philippines, 1004 Cocoa Foundation of the Philippines, 1365 E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., Quezon City, Philippines
  • Lani Averion Quezon Agricultural Experiment Station, Lagalag, Tiaong, Quezon, Philippines
  • Dennis Bihis Quezon Agricultural Experiment Station, Lagalag, Tiaong, Quezon, Philippines
  • Jesusa C. Legaspi Center for Medical, Agricultural & Veterinary Entomology, United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service, 6383 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32308, USA
  • Edward F. David Cocoa Foundation of the Philippines, 1365 E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., Quezon City, Philippines

Keywords:

cacao mirid, capsid bug, particle film, repellent, soybean oil as sticker-spreader

Abstract

The use of particle film technology has not been documented previously to protect cacao (Theobroma cacao L.; Malvales: Malvaceae) against insect feeding. Laboratory assessment of the use of local kaolin against the cacao mirid bug, Helopeltis collaris Stal (Hemiptera: Miridae), revealed a highly positive and statistically significant repellence of this insect pest on kaolin-treated cacao pods. This result warrants follow up field studies to evaluate further the potential of kaolin clay to control cacao pests in the Philippines.

 

Sumario

No se ha documentado el uso de la tecnología de partículas de arcillas de caolin para proteger el cacao (Theobroma cacao L.; Malvales: Malvaceae) en contra de la alimentación de insectos. Los exámenes de laboratorio de caolín local contra el chinche mírido del cacao, Helopeltis collaris Stal (Hemiptera: Miridae), reveló una repelencia altamente positiva y estadísticamente significativa de esta plaga en las vainas de cacao tratadas con caolín. Este resultado merece estudios de seguimiento de campo para evaluar el potencial de arcilla de caolín para el control de plagas del cacao en Filipinas.

 

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Scientific Notes