ASSOCIATION OF Triozoida limbata (HEMIPTERA: TRIOZIDAE) IN GUAVA, Psidium guajava L. (MYRTACEAE)

Abstract

The knowledge of the semiochemicals involved in the insect-plant relationship makes it possible to understand the defense mechanisms of plants against insect attacks. Applying this knowledge is an efficient alternative to Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Fruit growing in the region of Vale do Jaguaribe-CE has emerged as an important activity, especially in the cultivation of guava (Psidium guajava L. 1753) - tree of Myrtaceae family, endemic to South America whose fruit rich in vitamin C is versatile in the form of consumption. Although Brazilian annual guava production reached 460.5t, insects such as psyllid, Triozoida limbata (Hemiptera Triozidae), which lay their eggs on young guava branches and leaves, have caused damage to the plant cultivation, as its nymphal phase is one of the main pests in the region. The main method of controlling employs chemical insecticides that, despite their effectiveness, can cause environmental damage and various problems to human health. The objective of this work was to evaluate the incidence of T. limbata in guava trees for later isolation and identification of the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) involved in this relationship. The evaluations were carried out in a commercial cultivation area in Russas-CE, in three plots measuring 7.5ha each one, with 3,150 plants. For this study, inspections were performed to detect the presence or absence of T. limbata in the plants. The presence of psyllid was observed in all evaluated plants, some of which were partially and others totally infested. With this result, the next step will be to obtain and identify guava and psyllid VOCs, aiming their application in the behavioral control of T. limbata in guava crops in the state of Ceará and other producing states of Brazil.