CHEMICAL ECOLOGY OF Costalimaita ferruginea (Fabricius, 1801) (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE) IN THE PRESENCE AND ABSENCE OF FOOD.

Abstract

With the expansion of Eucalyptus spp. in the country, the yield losses caused by pest insects have grown in the same proportion. The yellow beetle, Costalimaita ferruginea (Fabricius, 1801) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is of frequent occurrence in Eucalyptus spp., being widely distributed in the brazilian territory and recent report in the state of Alagoas in Eucalyptus urograndis clones. The objective of this study was to verify the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of C. ferruginea collected in the state of Alagoas with or without food. Adults of C. ferruginea with unknown age and reproductive status (mated or virgin) were collected in a clonal experimental stand of E. urograndis,. In total, 70 insects, with representatives of both sexes, in the presence and absence of food (leaves of E. urograndis) were used. The insects were subjected to volatile collection through headspace system in laboratory. Subsequently, the detection and identification of VOCs was performed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (CG-DIC) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer (CG-MS). A total of 43 compounds were identified. The analyzes presented the 2-Nonenal, trans Geraniol, α-Pinene and Tridecene compounds, as specific for female and male without food. The compounds β-Ocimene, Linalool, (E, E)-2,8-Dimethyl-1,7dioxaspiro [5.5] undecane, α-Copaene and Octadecane, were detected for female and male in the presence of food. The trans-caryophyllene and eucalyptol compounds were found in both samples, with or without food. The results obtained are pioneers in the state of Alagoas for C. ferruginea, presenting as basic information for the development of Integrated Forest Pest Management programs.