Abstract The vegetable leaf miner (Liriomyza sativae) is considered one of the main melon pests, causing serious problems for producers in all growing regions. A promising type of pest control has been use of resistant cultivars, in isolation or associated with other types of control. This study aimed to evaluate the resistance of melon genotypes to L. sativae. Twenty-one melon genotypes and one commercial “Goldex” hybrid (susceptibility pattern) were evaluated in two experiments. In the first experiment, we observed the non-preference of L. sativae for oviposition and feeding by quantifying the number of eggs and feeding punctures, both on the adaxial side and on the abaxial face of the leaves. In the second experiment, we observed the antibiosis effect through L. sativae larval and pupal viability. Genotype CNPH 06-1047-341 showed the lowest preference for oviposition (high resistance), with low egg values on both leaf sides (0.3 eggs/plant). In genotypes CNPH 06-1047-313, CNPH 06-1047-346, CNPH 11-1071-27, CNPH 11-1071-39, CNPH 11-1071-43, and CNPH 11-1071-53, we observed a higher preference for the adaxial side, whereas for the other genotypes and the commercial hybrid there was no discrimination between leaf sides. In relation to antibiosis, genotypes CNPH 06-1047-339, CNPH 06-1047-333, CNPH 06-1047-330, CNPH 06-1047-334, CNPH 06-1047-331, CNPH 06-1047-343, CNPH 10-1056-313, CNPH 06-1047-346, and CNPH 06-1047-341 presented lower larval and pupal viability. Genotype CNPH 06-1047-341 was the least preferred for oviposition and feeding and the most promising as a source of resistance to L. sativae.

Metabolomics, together with analytical methods and chemometric tools, point to new paths for selecting species that are resistant to pests and diseases. In this work, the forage palm species' metabolomic profile was investigated, and the relation between the chemical composition and resistance to Dactylopius opuntiae (carmine cochineal). The study was performed in cladodes of different non-susceptible cultivars (Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck, Opuntia stricta (Haw.), Nopalea cochenillifera and susceptible cultivar (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.)). Metabolic profile showed 28 metabolites detected in the four species. From these total, 18 metabolites were annotated using UPLC-QTOF-MSE (ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with an electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry operating in MSE mode). By comparing the chemical profiles of non-susceptible and susceptible species through the application of chemometric tools, it was possible to obtain biomarkers (quercetin-3-O-2',6'-dirhamnosylglucoside, quercetin rhamnosyl dihexoside, and isorhamnetin-3-sophoroside-7-rhamnoside) that may be associated with resistance to carmine cochineal. Metabolomics based on UPLC-QTOF-MSE and chemometric allowed to establish the biomarkers knowledge of the resistance present in forage palm species. These results contribute to developing the initial understanding of flavonoids' role in the defense mechanisms of cactaceans and can be useful for application in breeding programs; it can increase the chances of success in creating new varieties of plants not susceptible to carmine cochineal.

ABSTRACT Agromyzidae (Insecta: Diptera) is a cosmopolitan family of acalyptrate flies, with almost 3,000 species worldwide distributed. Most species are leaf miners on a large number of plants. Among them, Liriomyza Mik, 1894 is a large genus of leaf-miner species that can cause significant damage to economically important crops and is considered agricultural pests, such as Liriomyza sativae Blanchard, 1938 and Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard, 1926), which are herein investigated. The present study deals with the impact of climatic factors (temperature, humidity, and precipitation), seasonality, and parasitoid abundance on leaf-miner infestation during one year in five cultivated crops in Northeastern Brazil. Climatic factors for instance had different effects on L. sativae populations in melon and watermelon crops. Larval abundances were greater during the dry season for both species, L. sativae and L. huidobrensis, and abundance of adult parasitoids followed the increase of mining larvae.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the Holopothrips fulvus Morgan (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) population dynamics and to identify dwarf cashew genotypes less infested by the pest in 2015 and 2016, under field conditions. H. fulvus population evaluations were carried out by monthly observations in the plants and using a score scale varying from 0 to 4. H. fulvus infestation occurred from October to December, and in the cashew genotypes CAP 112/8, CAP 121/1, CAP 131/2, CAP 145/2, CAP 145/7, CAP 128/2, CAP 120/4, CAP 123/6, CAP 130/1, and CAP 157/2 was dependent on the flowering period of the crop in 2015. In 2016, there was dependence in all evaluated genotypes between H. fulvus infestation and the cashew flowering period. In 2015, no significant differences were observed between the evaluated genotypes regarding H. fulvus infestation. In 2016, genotypes CAP 105/5, CAP 143/7, CAP 150/3, CAP 155/2, CAP 158/8, CAP 161/7, CAP 163/8, CAP 31, CAP 71, CAP 92, CAP 113, CAP 120, CAP 155, CAP 165, CAP 106/1, CAP 111/2, CAP 127/3, CAP 157/2, and BRS 226 were less infested. H. fulvus occurs from October to December and we could identify the dwarf cashew genotypes less infested by the pest.

Abstract The aim of the present study was to identify Aleurodicus cocois resistant genotypes among five dwarf cashew clones available in the germplasm bank of Embrapa/Centro Nacional de Pesquisa Agroindústria Tropical. Free-choice and no-choice tests were applied in order to evaluate the relative attractiveness of the clones and the oviposition preferences, egg-to-adult development times and adult emergence rates of the pest. In comparison with other clones, PRO143/7 exhibited the lowest attraction to the whitefly and was least preferred for oviposition in the free-choice test. Conversely, CCP76 attracted the highest number of A. cocois and was preferred for oviposition. In the no-choice test, the rates of emergence of adults from clones BRS274, CCP76 and PRO143/7 varied between 53.0 and 56.8%, values that were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those of clones BRS226 and EMBRAPA51, which were 72.34 and 75.16%, respectively. Some of the cashew clones tested showed antibiotic (CCP76, PRO143/7 and BRS274) and antixenotic (PRO143/7 and BRS226) resistance to A. cocois. These clones are good candidates for use in breeding programs of cashew.

Resumen Odontopus abdominalis fue reportado por primera vez como nueva plaga del aguacatero en huertos domésticos localizados en el estado de Alagoas, nordeste de Brasil. Los adultos se alimentan de las hojas, perforándolas y las larvas se alimentan del mesófilo foliar, formando galerías. La presencia de necrosis en las hojas reduce la cantidad de tejido fotosintético en el mesófilo. El presente estudio aporta información relevante para el registro de O. abdominalis como nueva plaga en el cultivo del aguacatero en Brasil, cuyo conocimiento es fundamental para el establecimiento de estrategias adecuadas de manejo y control.

Abstract This is the first report of Odontopus abdominalis as a novel pest in avocado orchards in the Alagoas State, in Northeastern Brazil. Adults feed and bore holes in the leaves, and larvae feed on the mesophyll tissue, boring galleries in the leaves. Leaf necrosis then reduces the photosynthetic tissue in the mesophyll. This study contributes relevant information for reporting O. abdominalis as a novel avocado pest in Brazil. This knowledge is essential for defining adequate pest management approaches.

Resumen El aumento de la frecuencia de lo escarabajo rojo de la anacardiácea Crimissa cruralis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) en poblaciones de Anacardium occidentale (Anarcardiaceae) del Brasil es motivo de preocupación. Se evaluó la mortalidad (en larvas de segundo y tercer instar) producida por la aplicación in vivo de una formulación comercial con esporas del hongo entomopatógeno, Beauveria bassiana. El tratamiento de larvas con concentraciones de 1,2 x 106, 2,5 x 106, 3,7 x 107 e 5,0 x 107 conidia/Ml resultó en 49, 56, 66 y 72 % de mortalidad dentro de ocho días, respectivamente. Se recomienda emplear la formulación de B. bassiana en las concentraciones más bajas (1,2 x 106 y 2,5 x 106 conidia/mL) con aplicación repetida para evitar la posible inactivación de lo hongo por factores abióticos ambientales. Las evaluaciones de costo-beneficio del uso de este agente biológico serán importantes para determinar la viabilidad económica de su aplicación en el campo.

Abstract The increased pest actions of the red cashew beetle Crimissa cruralis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae in Brazilian populations of cashew Anacardium occidentale (Anarcardiaceae) is a cause for concern. The entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, was evaluated as a biocontrol of larvae. The percent mortalities of second and third instar larvae produced by in vivo application of a commercial formulation containing the fungal spores were evaluated. Treatment of larvae at concentrations of 1.2 x 106, 2.5 x 106, 3.7 x 107 e 5.0 x 107 conidia/mL resulted in 49, 56, 66 and 72 % mortality within eight days, respectively. Based on the finding, it is recommended that the B. bassiana formulation should be employed at the lowest concentrations (1.2 x 106 and 2.5 x 106 conidia/mL) with repeat application to avoid possible inactivation of the fungus by abiotic environmental factors. Cost-benefit assessments of the use of this biological agent will be important for determining the economic feasibility of its application in the field.

Resumen El presente trabajo propone como objetivo conocer la diversidad de moscas de las frutas, sus hospederos y parasitoides en los municipios del Estado de Alagoas, Brasil. En los meses de colecta se recolectaron un total de 17.394 especímenes de insectos frugívoros, de estos, 14.993 (86,2 %) pertenecían al género Anastrepha (7.224 hembras y 7.769 machos) y 2.401 (13,8 %) a Ceratitis (1.196 hembras y 1.205 machos). En Maceió se recolectó una nueva especie que, hasta el momento, se la denomina como la morfo-especie Anastrepha sp. El mayor número de hembras pertenecían a Anastrepha obliqua la especie asociada al mayor número de plantas hospederas (ocho especies). De las 19 especies de frutales infestadas por moscas frugívoras, solo en nueve se registraron parasitoides. Del total de puparios de Anastrepha (26.724) emergieron 6.125 especímenes, 5.870 a pertenecían a la familia Braconidae, 169 a Pteromalidae, a 78 Figitidae y 8 a Torymidae. En este trabajo no se registró emergencia de parasitoides de los puparios de Ceratitis.

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the diversity of fruit flies, their hosts and parasitoids in the State of Alagoas, Brazil. A total of 17,394 specimens of frugivore insects where recorded, of which 14,993 (86.2 %) belonged to the genus Anastrepha (7,224 females and 7,769 males) and 2,401 (13.8 %) belonged to Ceratitis (1,196 females and 1,205 males). In Maceió, a new species of Anastrepha, which so far has been referred to as “morpho-species of Anastrepha sp.”, has been collected. Besides showing the highest number of females collected during this study, Anastrepha obliqua was associated with the highest number of host species (eight species). Parasitoid emergence was associated with only 9 of the 19 fruit species infested with fruit flies. From all pupae of Anastrepha obtained in this study (26,724), 6,125 parasitoid specimens have emerged, with 5,870 corresponding to Braconidae, 169 to Pteromalidae, 78 to Figitidae and 8 to Torymidae. In this study the emergence of parasitoids from puparia of Ceratitis was not recorded.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to identify resistance of tolerance type in Citrus and Poncirus genotypes towards the citrus leafminer (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrella. The quantitative variables leaf and shoot lengths, leaf width, number of larvae and new shoots, and fresh and dry shoots weights, and qualitative variables associated with foliar damage were evaluated in six Citrus-related genotypes infested with CLM. In preliminary trials with lime Rough lemon (C. jambhiri), the variables that best discriminated the infestation effect of CLM were established as the numbers of larvae and new shoots per plant together with the percentages of partially rolled leaves (PRL), rolled leaves (RL) and total damage (TD = RL + PRL). In subsequent tests with all six genotypes, the variables new shoots per plant, percentage of attacked but not rolled leaves (ANRL), RL and TD were found to be significant. Trifoliata Limeira (P. trifoliata) and hybrid C × R4 (C. sunki × P. trifoliata) presented the lowest percentages of RL and TD and the highest values of ANRL. A cluster analysis was performed considering all the variables analyzed and the most tolerant genotypes for CLM, namely hybridsC × R4, C × R315 (C. sunki × P. trifoliata), M × P222 [C. sinensis × Tangor Murcott (C. reticulata × C. sinensis)] and Trifoliata Limeira (P. trifoliata) were grouped apart from the less tolerant genotypes Sunki mandarin (C. sunki) and lime Rough lemon. In conclusion, genotypes Trifoliata Limeira and its hybrid C × R4 are the most tolerant to CLM.

Abstract: We have identified specimens of the leafhopper Gypona cerea DeLong & Freytag (Cicadellidae: Iassinae: Gyponini) collected from a crop of dwarf cashew (Anacardium occidentale Linnaeus 1753) located in Canto do Buriti, Piauí, Northeastern Brazil. The damage caused to the crop included inflorescences covered with sticky exudates, presence of sooty mold, and yellowing and drying of new shoots and inflorescences. Such documentation serves as a warning about possible outbreaks of infestation in the region and the likelihood of its expansion to other cashew producing areas.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi registrar a ocorrência natural do parasitoide larval Digonogastra sp. em Diatraea flavipennella Box, 1931 (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) em cana-de-açúcar. As coletas foram realizadas na Usina Santa Clotilde (9º25’S, 35º49’W, 127m de altitude), no município de Rio Largo, Estado de Alagoas, Brasil. Este é o primeiro registro do gênero Digonogastra parasitando lagartas de D. flavipennella no Brasil. A taxa de parasitismo verificada foi de 14,06%. A ocorrência deste parasitoide indica um potencial de regulação natural da referida praga em cana-de-açúcar.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to document the heretofore unrecorded natural occurrence of the larval parasitoid Digonogastra sp. on Diatraea flavipennella Box, 1931 (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in sugarcane fields. The collections were made in the Usina Santa Clotilde area, in Rio Largo municipality, Alagoas State, Brazil. This is the first record of Digonogastra sp. parasitizing caterpillar of D. flavipennella in Brazil. The parasitism rate was found to be 14.06%. The occurrence of this parasitoid indicates potential for natural regulation of that pest in sugarcane crop.

ABSTRACT Coenosia attenuata Stein (1903) is a predatory fly that is commonly found in greenhouses and open fields preying on whiteflies, leafminers, psocopterans and other insects. The species is widespread in the Old World and its distribution has expanded in recent times to Neotropical countries including Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Peru. We report here for the first time the presence of C. attenuata in Brazil, occurring in different sites in the State of Ceará (Northeastern Brazil). Expansion of the distribution range of this muscid to the eastern parts of South America opens up the possibility of applying the beneficial predator as a biological control agent for protected crops of the region.

Abstract Cashew, Anacardium occidentale L. (Anacardiaceae), is one of the most important sources of agricultural income in northeastern Brazil, but many of the arthropods associated with the crop have yet to be identified. We describe here for the first time the damage caused by Holopothrips fulvus (Morgan) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) to dwarf-cashew trees cultivated in the municipality of Pacajús, Ceará, Brazil. Leaf tissue injuries were caused by the sucking mouthparts of the insect and were characterized by dark necrotic spots on the epidermis that resulted in yellowing, wilting and, ultimately, abscission of the leaves. H. fulvus also fed on developing kernels and pseudofruits producing injuries that manifested in the form of chlorotic specks. Additional information is given on the pest status and important aspects of the morphology of the insect, including sexual dimorphism, redescription of the adults and description of the second instar larvae.

The aim of this study was to investigate the biology and colonization of A. cocois on dwarf-cashew seedlings. Levels of colonization were scored on a scale ranging from 0 to 4, and biology was established by evaluation of oviposition and reproductive parameters. Egg incubation time was 7.1 ± 0.88 days, first, second, third and fourth instar nymph phases lasted 5.9 ± 1.54, 6.8 ± 2.02, 5.2 ± 1.93 and 8.1 ± 2.69 days, respectively, egg-to-adult development took 33.1 ± 4.06 days, adult longevity was 14.3 ± 5.52 days and female fecundity was 43 ± 8.5 eggs female-1. Peak colonization occurs within 190 days.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar las características biológicas y la colonización de A. cocois en marañón. La biología fue evaluada examinando los parámetros de oviposición y reprodución y la colonización fue evaluada con el uso de una escala de puntuaciónde 0 a 4. La duración del desarrollo embrionario fue de 7,1 ± 0,88 días, siendo la duración del primer, segundo, tercero y cuarto ínstares ninfales de 5,9 ± 1,54, 6,8 ± 2,02, 5,2 ± 1,93 y 8,1 ± 2,69 días, respectivamente. El ciclo desde huevo a adulto requiere, en promedio, 33,1 ± 4,06 días. La longevidad promedio del adulto fue de 14,3 ± 5,52 días y la fertilidad promedio de las hembras fue de 43±8,5 huevos/hembras-1. La colonización máxima ocurre dentro de los 190 días.

Resumen Los estudios de moscas frugívoras en el estado de Alagoas, Brasil, se concentran en las especies denominadas moscas de las frutas (Tephritidae). Este reporte se refiere al registro de las especies de Neosilba en cinco municipios del estado de Alagoas: Neosilba bella, N. certa, N. glaberrima, N. inesperata, N. pendula y N. zadolicha.

Abstract Studies on frugivorous flies in Alagoas State, Brazil, have been limited to species of fruit flies (Tephritidae). This paper reports six species of Neosilba (Lonchaeidae) in five municipalities of Alagoas State: Neosilba bella, N. certa, N. glaberrima, N. inesperata, N. pendula and N. zadolicha.