The different infestation levels of the pineapple bug, Thlastocoris laetus Mayr, were assessed in four regional pineapple cultivars: Cabeça-de-Onça (RBR-2), Senador Guiomard (SNG-3), Quinari (SNG-2) and Rio Branco (RBR-1), released by Embrapa Acre, in Rio Branco, State of Acre, Brazil. The numbers of nymphs and adults on shoots, leaves, crowns and fruits were counted weekly and the plant structures preferred by the pest were determined, as well as the population dynamics as a function of the phenologic stages of the cultivars. The pest population dynamics was determined by means of regression analysis, with curve fitting, and Pearson's linear correlation regarding these figures and those of the meteorological variables during that period. It was found a far as T. laetus infestation is concerned, that Cabeça-de-Onça (RBR-1) and Senador Guiomard (SNG-3) cultivars may be recommended, and the latter showed the highest pest infestation only during the fruit production stage, which is an economically favorable characteristic in terms of the number of control measures needed. It also showed the lowest number of plants infested, number of adults per plant and number of nymphs per plant, which were significantly different from the other cultivars. The correlation and regression studies regarding pest population and meteorological variables were not significant.
Insecta; pineapple bug; plant structures; preference; population dynamics
