Abstract Ceratocampinae (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) is the second most diverse subfamily of Saturniidae with 300 species described in 30 genera from southern Canada to northern Argentina. Species of this subfamily are widely distributed in Southeast Brazil, with many endemics to the Cerrado, and important as indicators of ecosystem quality. Specimens of Ceratocampinae were collected in the Parque Estadual do Mirador, Maranhão state, Brazil. Adeloneivaia acuta (Schaus, 1896), Adeloneivaia schubarti Barros & O. Mielke, 1970, Eacles penelope (Cramer, 1775) and Megaceresa pulchra (Bouvier, 1923) are recorded for the first time in Maranhão state and Northeast Brazil and Eacles fairchildi May & Oiticica, 1941, only for Maranhão. The record of five Ceratocampinae (Saturniidae) species increases the knowledge on the diversity and the importance of preserving those of this subfamily in the Cerrado biome of Maranhão state and the Northeast region of Brazil.

Resumo Ceratocampinae (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) é a segunda subfamília mais diversa de Saturniidae com 300 espécies descritas em 30 gêneros do sul do Canadá ao norte da Argentina. Espécies desta subfamília estão amplamente distribuídas no Sudeste do Brasil, com muitas endêmicas do Cerrado e importantes como indicadores da qualidade do ecossistema. Espécimes de Ceratocampinae foram coletados no Parque Estadual do Mirador, estado do Maranhão, Brasil. Adeloneivaia acuta (Schaus, 1896), Adeloneivaia schubarti Barros & O. Mielke, 1970, Eacles penelope (Cramer, 1775) e Megaceresa pulchra (Bouvier, 1923) são registradas pela primeira vez no estado do Maranhão e Nordeste do Brasil e Eacles fairchildi May & Oiticica, 1941 apenas para o Maranhão. O registro de cinco espécies de Ceratocampinae (Saturniidae) aumenta o conhecimento sobre a diversidade e a importância da preservação das espécies dessa subfamília no bioma Cerrado maranhense e na região Nordeste do Brasil.

ABSTRACT The production chain of the macauba palm (Acrocomia aculeata) includes the cosmetics, food and bioenergy sectors, which highlights the relevance of defining bioclimatically favorable areas for the cultivation of this plant in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, the center of its origin. The mesoregions of this state were characterized according to the average annual temperature (AMT), annual precipitation (AP), precipitation in the driest quarter (PDQ), and aridity index (AI), following the Boolean logic. A total of 45.18% of the area of this state is bioclimatically favorable for the cultivation of A. aculeata, which facilitates the planning of farming activities, conservation, and management of this plant in other regions with conditions similar to those observed in this state. This palm can also be cultivated with irrigation in regions with adequate bioclimatic conditions, but without adequate rainfall pattern. This information can boost the rational and sustainable use of A. aculeata for the production of green vegetable oil.

RESUMO A cadeia produtiva da palmeira macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata) inclui os setores de cosméticos, alimentos e bioenergia, aumentando a importância de se definir as áreas bioclimaticamente favoráveis para o cultivo dessa planta no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, centro de sua origem. As mesorregiões desse estado foram caracterizadas de acordo com a temperatura média anual (TMA), precipitação anual (PA), precipitação no trimestre mais seco (PTS) e índice de aridez (IA), seguindo a lógica booleana. Um total de 45,18% da área do estado de Minas Gerais é, bioclimaticamente, favorável ao cultivo da A. aculeata, facilitando o planejamento de atividades agropecuárias, conservação e manejo dessa planta. Essa palmeira pode, também, ser cultivada com irrigação em regiões com déficit de precipitação, mas com as outras condições bioclimáticas semelhantes às definidas nesse estado para essa planta. Essas informações aumentam as possibilidades do uso racional e sustentável de A. aculeata para produção de óleo vegetal verde.

ABSTRACT Synthetic insecticides used in the management of the mealybug Diaspis echinocacti (Bouché, 1833) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) can contaminate co-products from this plant. The use of Agave extracts and/or mineral oil is a sustainable alternative to reduce the residual effect of these chemicals in the palm production chain. The objective here was to determine the effectiveness of Agave genotype extracts applied alone or mixed with mineral oil against the cactus scale mealybug D. echinocacti. Two experiments were carried out to achieve this goal. The first one aimed to select the most promising Agave genotype extract concentration (CL80) to kill 80% of the first instar mobile nymphs of D. echinocacti (Experiment 1), and the second to determine the effectiveness of the selected extract against nymphs, pupae, and adults of different ages of this mealybug in laboratory and greenhouse (Experiment 2). The extract of the genotype Agave fourcroydes cv. Cabinho with lethal concentration (LC80) of 10.9 mL/10 mL is the most efficient in causing mortality of D. echinocacti. The lethal concentration of the A. fourcroydes cv. Cabinho killed 80% of the first instar motile nymphs and more than 74% of the nymphs, pupae, and adults of different ages of D. echinocacti in the laboratory and greenhouse followed by Agave sisalana cv. Tatuí 3. Furthermore, the mortality of this scale mealybug was higher with applications of mineral oil (Assist), alone or mixed with sisal extracts.

Resumen Mejorar las técnicas para criar depredadores en el laboratorio, incluida la edad de apareamiento, es importante para obtener el mayor número de individuos para los programas de control biológico. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la fecundidad de hembras del depredador Podisus fuscescens (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) con diferentes periodos de pre-apareamiento. Los tratamientos fueron: las hembras de este depredador se aparearon inmediatamente después de la emergencia (T1) o con uno (T2), dos (T3), tres (T4), cuatro (T5) o cinco (T6) días después de la emergencia. Las hembras que se aparearon inmediatamente (T1) y un día después de la emergencia (T2) tuvieron menos posturas que las que se aparearon después de cinco días (T6). El número de ninfas por hembra fue menor para las apareadas en emergencia (T1) y uno o dos días después. El número total de huevos fue menor para las hembras apareadas un día después de la emergencia (T2) que para aquellas apareadas después de cinco días (T6). La proporción de huevos eclosionados fue menor en los tratamientos T1 y T2 en comparación con el tratamiento T6. El período de oviposición y la longevidad de las hembras de P. fuscescens fueron similares entre los tratamientos, sin embargo, el período de preoviposición fue más largo para las hembras del tratamiento T1 que para las de T5 y T6 y el período de posoviposición fue más largo en las hembras del tratamiento T1. Las hembras de P. fuscescens necesitan cinco días después de la emergencia para que su sistema reproductivo madure, lo que mejora su aptitud y evita copulaciones innecesarias.

Abstract The improvement of techniques for the mass rearing of predators in the laboratory, including the age of mating is important to obtain the largest number of individuals for biological control programs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the females’ fecundity of the predator Podisus fuscescens (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) with different pre-mating periods. The females of this predator were mated immediately after emergence (T1) or with one (T2), two (T3), three (T4), four (T5) or five (T6) days after emergence. The females mated immediately and one day after the emergency (T1 and T2) had fewer egg clusters than those mated after five days (T6). The number of nymphs per female was lower for those mated immediately after the emergence (T1) and with one (T2) or two days (T3). The total number of eggs was lower in females mated one day after emergence (T2) than for those mated after five days (T6). The proportion of hatched eggs was lower in the treatments T1 and T2 than in the T6. The oviposition and longevity of P. fuscescens females were similar between treatments; however, the pre-oviposition period longer in the T1 than T5 and T6. The pos-oviposition period was longer in the T1. Podisus fuscescens females require five days after emergence to mature their reproductive system, which improves their fitness and avoids unnecessary mating.

RESUMO A técnica de enxertia de topo pode possibilitar o florescimento precoce e, consequentemente, acelerar a autopolinização no melhoramento de Eucalyptus, reduzindo o período de cada geração. O objetivo deste estudo é estabelecer uma metodologia para enxertia de topo, aplicando o regulador de crescimento paclobutrazol em genótipos de Eucalyptus autopolinizados, para induzir o florescimento precoce e acelerar estratégias que envolvam a produção de linhagens. Foram realizados 448 enxertos de topo de sete genótipos (três híbridos de Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis, um de Eucalyptus urophylla e três de Eucalyptus grandis) em dois períodos do ano: julho e outubro. As amostras de enxertia de topo foram avaliadas quanto à indução floral e o desenvolvimento do enxerto em intervalos de três meses. Foi realizado um teste t com nível de significância de 5% para o erro tipo I para comparar a relevância da aplicação de paclobutrazol e um modelo fixo também foi usado para analisar a significância entre os tratamentos. A floração mais rápida foi observada após três meses de aplicação da metodologia de enxertia. Após dois anos, as enxertias de topo realizadas em outubro apresentaram maior produção de botões florais e frutos. A enxertia de topo afetou a indução de flores de Eucalyptus autopolinizadas devido a ter produzido botões florais suficientes para realizar o próximo ciclo de autopolinização em alguns genótipos. A eficácia das enxertias de topo autopolinizadas variou com o genótipo utilizado como copa. O paclobutrazol melhorou a floração das amostras de enxerto de topo. A metodologia estabelecida neste trabalho permite acelerar as estratégias de autopolinização em Eucalyptus, que é uma cultura industrial globalmente importante.

ABSTRACT The top grafting technique can make early flowering possible and consequently accelerate self-pollination in Eucalyptus breeding, reducing the period of each generation. This study aims to establish a methodology to top graft by applying the growth regulator paclobutrazol in self-pollinated Eucalyptus genotypes to induce early flowering and accelerate inbred line strategies. A total of 448 top grafts of seven genotypes (three Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis hybrids, one Eucalyptus urophylla, and three Eucalyptus grandis) were performed in two periods of the year: July and October. The top grafting samples were evaluated concerning flower induction and graft development at three-month intervals. A t-test was performed with a 5% significance level for type I error to compare the relevance of paclobutrazol application. A fixed model was also used to analyze the significance of the treatments. The fastest blooming occurred after three months of applying the graft methodology. After two years, the top graftings performed in October presented higher flower bud and fruit production. The top grafting affected the induction of self-pollinated Eucalyptus flowers with enough flower buds produced to follow the next cycle of self-pollination in some genotypes. The effectiveness of self-pollinated top graftings varied with the genotype used as the scion. The paclobutrazol improved the flowering of the top grafting samples. The methodology established in this work allows accelerating self-pollination strategies in the globally important industrial crop Eucalyptus.

Resumo A diversidade de fungos, incluindo espécies entomopatogênicas, é alta nos solos. Esses fungos são utilizados no manejo de pragas com facilidade de produção, multiplicação, aplicação e dispersão no campo. O objetivo foi avaliar a diversidade de fungos entomopatogênicos em solos de culturas de eucalipto e soja e áreas de mata nativa. Fungos entomopatogênicos foram isolados pelo “Bait Method” com larvas de Tenebrio molitor (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) de 10 amostras de solo por área, coletadas a 10 cm de profundidade em zig-zag. Os fungos isolados foram cultivados em três placas de Petri em meio BDA e seus micélios separados após sete dias de incubação em câmara tipo BOD. Fungos dos gêneros Aspergillus, Beauveria, Cordyceps, Fusarium, Metarhizium, Penicillium e Purpureocillium foram identificados. O “Bait Method” com larvas de T. molitor é eficiente para isolar fungos entomopatogênicos com maior diversidade em solos de área de mata nativa que naqueles com culturas de eucalipto e soja.

Abstract Soils present high fungal diversity, including entomopathogenic species. These fungi are used in pest control, providing easy production, multiplication, application, and dispersion in the field. The objective of the present study was to evaluate entomopathogenic fungal diversity in soils from eucalyptus and soybean crops and natural forest areas. These fungi were isolated using the “Bait Method” with Tenebrio molitor (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae from 10 soil samples per area, collected at 10 cm deep in a zig-zag pattern. The isolated entomopathogenic fungi were cultivated in Petri dishes using PDA medium and their mycelia separated after seven days of incubation in a BOD-type chamber. Species of Aspergillus, Beauveria, Cordyceps, Fusarium, Metarhizium, Penicillium and Purpureocillium were identified. The “Bait Method” with T. molitor larvae is efficient to isolate entomopathogenic fungi with higher diversity from soils of the natural forest than the cultivated area.

Resumen El lodo de aguas residuales es un compuesto orgánico rico en nitrógeno que aumenta el desarrollo de plantas como Platycyamus regnellii (Fabaceae), que se usa comúnmente en la recuperación de áreas degradadas. Este estudio se centra en la evaluación de los efectos ascendentes en la producción en masa vegetal y la cobertura del suelo en plantas de P. regnellii fertilizados (o no) con lodo de aguas residuales y las comunidades de artrópodos durante 24 meses. Los árboles de P. regnellii fertilizados con lodo de aguas residuales presentaron significativamente más hojas por rama, ramas por árbol, y un mayor porcentaje de cobertura del suelo en comparación con los árboles no fertilizados. Phenacoccus sp. (Pseudococcidae) fue la especie fitófaga más abundante. La fertilización no afectó la abundancia, diversidad y riqueza de especies de Hemiptera fitófagos en árboles de P. regnellii. Sin embargo, los árboles fertilizados presentaron mayor abundancia y riqueza de especies de hormigas cuidadora de trofobiontes en comparación con los árboles no fertilizados. Camponotus sp. fue la specie más abundante independientemente del tratamiento. Los árboles de P. regnellii fertilizados también presentaron mayor riqueza de especies de enemigos naturales en comparación con los no fertilizados, siendo Aranae y Dolichopodidae los más abundantes. Se concluye que las coronas más grandes de P. regnellii fueron aquellas fertilizadas con lodo de aguas residuales deshidratadas, lo que aumenta la cobertura del suelo, la diversidad de hormigas cuidadoras de trofobiontes, y de enemigos naturales. Hasta donde se conoce, este es el primer estudio sobre la comunidad de artrópodos asociada a esta especie de árbol. Esto sugiere que las plantas de P. renellii fertilizadas con lodos de depurados son adecuadas para la recuperación de áreas degradadas.

Abstract Sewage sludge is a nitrogen-rich organic compound, which can be used to aid development in plants such as Platycyamus regnellii (Fabaceae), in the recovery of degraded areas. This study aimed to assess the bottom-up effects on leaf mass and percentage of ground cover (leaf litter, herbaceous plants, and grasses) in P. regnellii trees fertilized (or not) with dehydrated sewage sludge and arthropod communities over 24 months. Platycyamus regnellii trees fertilized with dehydrated sewage sludge presented significantly more leaves per branch, branches per tree, and a higher percentage of ground cover compared to unfertilized trees. Phenacoccus sp. (Pseudococcidae) was the most abundant phytophagous insect associated with P. regnellii trees. Fertilization did not affect the abundance, diversity, and species richness of Hemiptera phytophagous on P. Regnellii trees. However, fertilized trees presented higher abundance and species richness of trophobiont-tending ants compared to unfertilized trees, with Camponotus sp. being the most abundant regardless of the treatment. Fertilized P. regnellii trees also presented higher species richness of natural enemies compared to unfertilized ones, with Aranae and Dolichopodidae being the most abundant. We concluded that fertilization with dehydrated sewage sludge improved P. regnellii trees leaf mass and ground cover and increased the diversity of trophobiont-tending ants and natural enemies. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the arthropods community associated with this tree species. This suggests that upon fertilization, P. renellii trees are useful for ecological restoration in severely disturbed areas.

Resumo A adaptação de espécies nativas de lepidópteros a plantios de eucalipto reduz a produtividade dessa cultura no Brasil. Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) é praga-secundária, frequentemente, relatada em plantios de eucalipto com surtos populacionais e danos econômicos. Métodos de controle biológico, dessa praga, podem incluir o uso do endoparasitoide exótico de pupas Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) relatado como eficiente para o controle de lepidópteros-pragas. O parasitismo de lagartas e pupas de O. vesulia por T. howardi foi avaliado em condições controladas (25 ± 1º C, 60 ± 20% umidade e 12h fotoperíodo). Cada lagarta ou pupa de O. vesulia foi colocada individualmente em tubos de fundo chato com 10 e 15 fêmeas de T. howardi por 48h, respectivamente e, após esse período, os parasitoides foram removidos, as lagartas alimentadas e as pupas mantidas até a emergência do parasitoide ou formação de pupas ou de adultos dessa praga. As lagartas de quarto ínstar de O. vesulia, após o período de parasitismo, foram mantidas em potes com folhas de Eucalyptus urophylla trocadas, diariamente, até o fim do experimento. Um total de 40% das lagartas de O. vesulia morreu antes da fase de pré-pupa, 40% atingiram o estágio de pupa e morreram devido à má formação ou problemas e 20% originaram mariposas, porém nenhum parasitoide adulto emergiu das lagartas. Todas as pupas de O. vesulia foram parasitadas e tiveram emergência de parasitoides. O parasitismo de lagartas e pupas de O. vesulia por T. howardi mostra o potencial desse inimigo natural para o manejo integrado desse desfolhador em cultivos de eucalipto.

Abstract The adaptation of native lepidopteran species to eucalyptus plantations reduces the productivity of this crop in Brazil. Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is a secondary pest, frequently reported in eucalyptus plantations with population outbreaks and economic damages. Methods of biological control of this pest may include the use of the exotic pupae endoparasitoid Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), reported as efficient to controlling lepidopteran pests. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi was evaluated under controlled conditions (25 ± 1 ºC, 60 ± 20% humidity and 12:12 h L:D). Each O. vesulia caterpillar or pupae was individually placed in a flat-bottom tube with 10 and 15 females of T. howardi for 48h, respectively. The parasitoids were removed after that period, the caterpillars were fed and the pupae were maintained until emergence of the parasitoid or formation of pupae and emergence of adults of this pest. The fourth-instar caterpillars of O. vesulia, after the parasitism period, were kept in pots with Eucalyptus urophylla leaves, changed daily until the end of the experiment. A total of 40% of the caterpillars died before the pre-pupae stage, 40% reached the pupae stage and died due to inadequate adult formation and 20% generated moths, but none adult parasitoid emerged from the caterpillars. All pupae of O. vesulia were parasitized and showed emergence of parasitoids. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi shows the potential of this natural enemy for the integrated management of this defoliator pest in eucalyptus plantations.

RESUMO O transporte de madeira no Brasil, predominantemente rodoviário, representa um dos segmentos mais onerosos do setor. A depreciação, um dos custos fixos na produção florestal, é incluída na utilização e substituição de máquinas. Essa depreciação pode ser calculada por meio de diferentes métodos, e os melhores devem ser utilizados para aperfeiçoar os custos nessa área. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a depreciação de um caminhão e o custo de transporte rodoviário florestal, usando quatro métodos de análise: Caires, Cole, Exponencial e Linear. Os custos de depreciação e de transporte foram determinados utilizando a planilha de simulação de custos de frete para o Transporte Rodoviário de Cargas, desenvolvida pela Agência Nacional de Transportes Terrestres (ANTT). Constatou-se que a depreciação mensal do caminhão foi de R$ 1.630,25, R$ 2.276,64, R$ 2.400,96 e R$ 2.422,40, calculada pelos métodos de Caires, Exponencial, Linear e de Cole, respectivamente. O menor custo de transporte foi de R$ 13,71, obtido pelo método de Caires, seguido de R$ 13,72, R$ 16,72 e R$ 16,92, obtidos pelos métodos Linear, Cole e Exponencial, respectivamente. Os menores valores de depreciação e custo de transporte por tonelada obtidos pelo método de Caires se devem ao fato de esse método considerar outras variáveis, além da idade atual e da vida útil da máquina, e ajustar o modelo e os coeficientes de utilização para situações específicas. Isso retrata as condições encontradas em campo, portanto gera custos próximos aos reais. A estimativa da depreciação de transporte florestal foi melhor pelo método de Caires, em todas as situações estudadas, o que evidencia a necessidade de considerar fatores de manutenção e trabalho no cálculo da depreciação. A adoção desse método também representa grande economia de recursos financeiros no longo prazo.

ABSTRACT Wood transport, predominantly made by road in Brazil, represents one of the most costly segments of this sector. Depreciation, one of the fixed costs in forestry production, is included in the use and replacement of machines. Their depreciation is calculated by different methods and the best ones should be used to improve costs in wood industry. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of four depreciation methods on the cost of forest road transportation. The depreciation methods used were: Caires, Cole, Exponential and Linear. The depreciation and transportation costs were determined using the freight cost simulation spreadsheet for the Road Transportation of Loads, developed by the Agência Nacional de Transportes Terrestres (ANTT). The monthly depreciation of the truck was R$ 1,630.25, R$ 2,276.64, R$ 2,400.96 and R$ 2,422.40 with the Caires, Exponential, Linear and Cole methods, respectively. The lowest transport cost was R$ 13.71 with the Caires method, followed by R$ 13.72, R$ 16.72 and R$ 16.92 from the Linear, Cole and Exponential methods, respectively. The lower values of depreciation and transport cost per ton obtained by the Caires method are due to this method considering factors other than the current age and the useful life of the machine and adjusting the model and the coefficients of use for specific situations. This portrays the situations found in the field, generating costs closer to the real ones. The best estimation of the depreciation and wood transport cost was obtained with the Caires method in all the studied situations, evidencing the need to consider maintenance and labor factors in its calculation. The adoption of this method also represents a great saving of financial resources in the long term.

ABSTRACT Caligo teucer (Linnaeus, 1758) is widely distributed in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Ecuador. The objective was to study biological aspects of Caligo teucer japetus Stichel, 1903 with banana leaves, Musa sapientium L. (Zingiberales: Musaceae), in the butterfly garden, under environmental conditions, and in the laboratory of biological control of insects at the Universidade Federal de Viçosa in Viçosa, Minas Gerais state, Brazil at 24 ± 2 oC, 68 ± 10% relative humidity and 12 hours photophase. The duration of the egg incubation, larvae, pupa and egg to adult periods of C. teucer japetus were, respectively, 11.8 ± 0.1; 53.9 ± 0.9; 17.9 ± 0.3 and 82.6 ± 1.0 days for females, and 11.8 ± 0.1; 50.3 ± 0.6; 18.4 ± 0.3 and 79.4 ± 0.6 days for males in cages in the laboratory. The longevity of C. teucer japetus adults was 26.0 ± 10.4 and 47.5 ± 8.7 for females and 24.7 ± 3.5 and 35.4 ± 15.7 for males in the butterfly garden and in laboratory cages, respectively. The high survival and the relatively short period of development of its immature stages confirm that banana leaves are an adequate food substrate for the development and survival of Caligo teucer japetus.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar os parâmetros biológicos e morfológicos de Dysdercus maurus alimentado com sementes de algodão (Gossypium hirsutum) com alto ou baixo teor de óleo, bem como identificar genótipos a serem usados em programas de melhoramento como fontes de resistência a esse percevejo. O desenvolvimento, a sobrevivência e a reprodução do percevejo manchador de algodão foram determinados em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado. Os tratamentos consistiram de ninfas do inseto alimentadas com sementes de algodão da linhagem genética CNPA 2001-5581 (alto teor de óleo) ou CNPA 2001-5087 (baixo teor). Foram determinados a sobrevivência, o peso e os parâmetros morfológicos do percevejo. A sobrevivência das ninfas de segundo e terceiro ínstars e do estágio total de ninfas de D. maurus foi menor com sementes de algodão com baixo teor de óleo. O comprimento do corpo e a largura da cabeça dos adultos de D. maurus foram maiores, mas o comprimento e a largura do pronoto menores e as fêmeas mais pesadas com sementes de algodão com alto teor de óleo. Genótipos de algodão com baixo teor de óleo podem reduzir as populações do percevejo.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to determine the biological and morphological parameters of Dysdercus maurus fed with cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) seeds with a high or low oil content, as well as to identify genotypes to be used in breeding programs as sources of resistance to this stink bug. The development, survival, and reproduction of the cotton stainer bug were determined in a completely randomized experimental design. The treatments consisted of the insect nymphs being feed with cotton seeds of the CNPA 2001-5581 (high oil content) or CNPA 2001-5087 (low content) genetic line. Survival, weight, and morphological parameters of the bug were determined. The survival of second- and third-instar nymphs and of the total nymph stage of D. maurus was lower with cotton seeds with a low oil content. The body length and head width of D. maurus adults were greater, but pronotum length and width were smaller and the females heavier with cotton seeds with a high oil content. Low-oil cotton genotypes can reduce populations of the stainer bug.

ABSTRACT The study of arthropod communities foraging on monocultures of native plants (e.g. Caryocar brasiliense) in biodiversity hotspots (e.g. Brazilian Cerrado) is important to understand the processes driving their performance. This study evaluated the possible interactions between galling herbivores, free-feeding arthropods, and of their natural enemies on C. brasiliense trees, in an orchard (monoculture). The possible competition observed were: i) between galling insects with defoliators and phytophagous mites, ii) between sucking insects, iii) between phytophagous mites and, iv) between Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae) with Histiostoma sp. (Acari: Histiostomidae) on C. brasiliense trees. Numbers of predators and prey, parasitoids and hosts, and predators and parasitoids were directly related among them. The competitive interactions between herbivorous predator and parasitoid may reduce Eurytoma sp. (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) populations, a potential pest of C. brasiliense. The predator Zelus armillatus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) and the parasitoids Sycophila sp. (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) and Ablerus magistretti (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) are important to determine the numbers of Eurytoma sp. and of its galls. These natural enemies may be important to control this galling insect on C. brasiliense trees. The arthropod competition affected their guild associated to C. brasiliense trees.

ABSTRACT Insect damage to stored seeds is a challenge. Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius, 1792) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) is a major pest of seeds and grains in the world, but without record in seeds of the sudangrass (Sorghum drummondii (Poaceae)). The objective of this work was to report, for the first time, the occurrence and damage by R. dominica in S. drummondii seeds, sold in sealed packages in retail market. Four samples with 500 seeds each and without adult insects were separated from a package. The initial weight was obtained with a precision scale and the seeds were stored. The number of adult insects, the weight loss and the infestation rate of the seeds were evaluated 60 days later and the average between samples used to extrapolate the damage per package. An adult of R. dominica, on average, was obtained for each seven seeds and 54.06% of the seeds were damaged, with an average weight loss of 36.09%. This is the first report of R. dominica in sudangrass seeds and the damage inflicted shows that this insect may cause losses in the quantity and quality of seeds due to its rapid populational growth.

RESUMO: As batatas destinadas ao processamento industrial devem ter alto teor de matéria seca, baixo teor de açúcar e estar livre de danos ou doenças. O objetivo foi determinar a temperatura e o período de armazenamento ideais para cultivares comerciais para fritura. Os tubérculos das cultivares Asterix e Cronos foram armazenados em caixas de plástico a 6 e 8 °C com umidade de 85 a 95% por 180 dias. As perdas de massa acumulada (PMA), sólidos insolúveis em álcool (SIA), açúcares solúveis totais (AST), açúcares não redutores (ANR), açúcares redutores (AR), atividade de polifenoloxidase (PPO) e escurecimento enzimático e não enzimático foram analisadas. A PMA de tubérculos da cultivar Asterix a 6 e 8 ºC e a da cultivar Cronos, armazenadas a 6 °C foram maiores. Os teores de SIA foram menores e os de AST, AR e ANR maiores nos tubérculos de ambas as cultivares armazenadas a 6 ºC. A temperatura e o período de armazenamento não afetaram as cultivares Cronos e Asterix. O escurecimento foi maior nos palitos fritos das cultivares Asterix e Cronos armazenados a 6 ºC (4 a 5) por 60 e 90 dias e a 8 °C (2 a 3) por 180 dias, respectivamente. O período ideal de temperatura e armazenamento para as cultivares Asterix e Cronos é de 8 ºC por, no máximo, 120 dias devido ao escurecimento não enzimático.

ABSTRACT: Potatoes for industrial processing must have high dry matter, low sugar and free from damage or disease. The objective was to determine the ideal temperature and storage period of commercial cultivars for frying. Tubers of Asterix and Cronos cultivars were stored in a cold chamber (Gallant CMC4 Premium) inside plastic boxes at 6 and 8 °C with 85 to 95% humidity for 180 days. Accumulated mass loss (PMA), alcohol insoluble solids (SIA), total soluble sugars (AST), non-reducing sugars (ANR), reducing sugars (AR), polyphenoloxidase activity (PPO) and enzymatic and non-enzymatic browning were analyzed. The PMA of Asterix at 6 and 8 ºC and Cronos at 6 °C was higher. The SIA of both cultivars stored at 6 ºC were lower and AST, AR and ANR higher. Those parameters of Cronos and Asterix did not differ between temperature or storage period. The browning was greater in the fried sticks of Asterix and Cronos stored at 6 ºC (4 to 5) for 60 and 90 days and at 8 °C (2 to 3) for 180 days, respectively. The ideal temperature and storage period for Asterix and Cronos cultivars is 8 ºC for a maximum of 120 days due to non-enzymatic browning.

ABSTRACT. The objective was to study the habitat complexity of mite populations on Caryocar brasiliense trees under natural and cultivated field conditions. The study was performed in the municipality of Montes Claros, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, over 3 years. Three types of areas were studied: 1) Cerrado, 2) pasture, and 3) a university Campus. Several chlorotic spots were detected on leaves with larger populations of Tetranychus sp. and Eutetranychus sp. (Tetranychidae). The greatest numbers of Agistemus sp. (Stigmaeidae) on leaves and Histiostoma sp. (Histiostomidae) and Proctolaelaps sp. (Ascidae) on fruits were observed in the pasture, and that of Histiostoma sp. on leaves in the pasture and on the university Campus. In general, the herbivorous mites (e.g., Tetranychus sp.) found on C. brasiliense plants were correlated with more clayey soils with a higher cationic exchange capacity; larger populations of mites (e.g., Agistemus sp. and Histiostoma sp.) were found on the C. brasiliense trees with the largest crown sizes; and associations between predator mites (e.g., Agistemus sp.) and phytophagous mites (e.g., Tetranychus sp.1) were observed. Greater habitat diversity and more complex plant architectures favored the mite populations. The positive effect of loamier soil on herbivorous mites indicates that these species are adapted to Cerrado conditions. Some recorded species of herbivorous mites can be pests in commercial plantations of C. brasiliense.