Melanoloma viatrix Hendel (Diptera, Richardiidae): New Pest of Pineapple Plantations in the North of Brazil.

This is the first record of Melanoloma viatrix Hendel as well as in its host (pineapple) in Brazil. Previously, M. viatrix had been found in pineapple plantations in Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. In Brazil, this fly was initially reported in pineapple purchased from a commercial establishment in the municipality of Porto Grande, Amapá State, in 2020. Subsequently, M. viatrix was found in a commercial pineapple plantation, Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. cv. Pérola, also in Porto Grande, Amapá State. In the pineapple samples, 2,320 specimens of M. viatrix were collected on a single day on that rural property (approximately 2 ha). The larvae open galleries in the pulp that cause the pineapple to rot, making it unviable for consumption and commercial sale. This communication aims to alert phytosanitary authorities of the need to establish control strategies to prevent the spread of the pineapple fly to other states in Brazil.

The Amazon and Its Biodiversity: a Source of Unexplored Potential Natural Enemies for Biological Control (Predators and Parasitoids).

The Amazon is an important source of natural enemies for biological control. The diversity of biocontrol agents in the Amazon is considerably higher than that in other Brazilian regions. However, few studies have focused on the bioprospecting of natural enemies in the Amazon. Furthermore, the expansion of agricultural land in recent decades has caused biodiversity loss in the region, including the loss of potential biocontrol agents, due to the replacement of native forests with cultivated areas and forest degradation. In this study, we reviewed the main groups of natural enemies in the Brazilian Legal Amazon: predatory mites (mainly Acari: Phytoseiidae), ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), and social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Polistinae) and the Hymenoptera parasitoids of eggs (Trichogrammatidae) and of frugivorous larvae (Braconidae and Figitidae). The main species prospected and used in biological control are presented. The lack of knowledge and perspectives regarding these groups of natural enemies as well as the challenges of conducting research in the Amazon is discussed.

Spondias mombin as a reservoir of fruit fly parasitoid populations in the Eastern Amazon: an undervalued ecosystem service.

Fruit flies are economically important pests that infest a wide variety of host trees. The environmental damage caused by traditional pesticide-based control methods has prompted scientists to seek less damaging alternatives such as biological control by native species. Parasitoids, especially Braconidae species, have excellent potential as biological control agents for fruit flies, being both generalists and well distributed geographically. Native fruit trees that support medium or high levels of these parasitoids could therefore play an important role in biological control strategies. A good potential example is Spondias mombin L. in the Brazilian Amazon, which hosts several species of fruit flies and associated parasitoids. Here, we provide a unique synthesis of over nearly two decades of data from the east Amazon, clearly demonstrating the potential of S. mombin to act as a source and reservoir of fruit fly parasitoids. This important ecosystem service (biological control) provided by the parasitoids and supported by S. mombin could be further enhanced through conservation of this plant species in its natural environment.

Effect of soil class and moisture on the depth of pupation and pupal viability of Bactrocera carambolae Drew & Hancock (1994)

Abstract Bactrocera carambolae is a quarantine pest present in Brazil and today represents the main phytosanitary barrier to the export of the fresh fruits produced in the country. The effect of soil classes and moisture on the pupation depth and pupal viability of this insect was evaluated. Soils with three textural classes (sandy, sandy clay loam and clay loam) and four moisture levels (0%, 30%, 60% and 90% of field capacity of each soil) were used, for a total of 12 treatments with six repetitions. The pupation depths varied from the surface to 5 cm. The soil class was the most significant variable regarding the pupal development of B. carambolae. The moisture level did not have a significant effect on the pupation depth or pupal emergence, but there was a strong effect of the interaction of soil texture and moisture on the pupal viability, with an increase in emergence with higher moisture in the clay loam and sandy clay loam soils.

Biology of Bactrocera carambolae (Diptera: Tephritidae) on four hosts

ABSTRACT Bactrocera carambolae is a quarantine pest found in Brazil, restricted to the states of Amapá, Pará and Roraima. This fruit fly can potentially cause extensive socioeconomic and environmental damage in the country, if it disperse into areas where fruit is grown for exporting. The objective of this work was to study the biology of B. carambolae on fruits of Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae), Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae), Spondias mombin L. (Anacardiaceae) and Eugenia stipitata McVaugh (Myrtaceae). The following parameters were investigated: duration of egg-larva, pupal, egg-adult, pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition periods, pupal weight and viability, sex ratio, fecundity, fertility and longevity. All parameters except pupal weight, oviposition and post-oviposition period, egg fertility and sex ratio were influenced by the host plant on which the larvae were reared. The carambola fruit fly completes its development on all those hosts studied here, with the highest fecundities on A. carambola and P. guajava.

AMAZONIAN ISOLATES OF Metarhizium ARE EFFECTIVE FOR KILLING Bactrocera carambolae (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) / Aislados Amazónicos de Metarhizium son efectivos para matar Bactrocera carambolae (Diptera: Tephritidae)

ABSTRACT Bactrocera carambolae Drew & Hancock is a quarantine pest present in Brazil and is the main phytosanitary barrier for the export of fresh fruits from that country. In this work, we evaluated the effect of Amazonian isolates of Metarhizium on kill larvae, pupae, and adults of B. carambolae in soil applications. The mortality of larvae and pupae in sterile soil treated with Metarhizium anisopliae was 70 %. In addition, 100 % of the adults that emerged from this substrate died up to five days later. This isolate caused the mortality of larvae and pupae in non-sterile soil, but its effect was more evident after adult emergence (70 % mortality up to ten days after emergence). Metarhizium robertsii was effective in killing larvae and pupae of the pest, especially in non-sterile soil, and caused a 60 % reduction in adult survival 50 days after emergence. These results indicated the possible use of these isolates for the control of B. carambolae, suggesting the possibility of using this biocontrol mode as another alternative in controlling this quarantine pest.

RESUMEN Bactrocera carambolae Drew & Hancock es una plaga cuarentenaria presente en Brasil y es la principal barrera fitosanitaria para la exportación de frutas frescas de este país. En este trabajo, evaluamos el efecto de los aislados amazónicos de Metarhizium para matar larvas, pupas y adultos de B. carambolae en aplicaciones de suelo. La mortalidad de larvas y pupas en suelo estéril tratado con Metarhizium anisopliae fue del 70 %. Además, el 100 % de los adultos que emergieron de este sustrato murieron hasta cinco días después. Este aislado causó la mortalidad de larvas y pupas en suelo no estéril, pero su efecto fue más evidente después de la emergencia del adulto (70 % de mortalidad hasta diez días después de la emergencia). Metarhizium robertsii fue eficaz para matar larvas y pupas de la plaga, especialmente en suelos no estériles, y causó una reducción del 60 % en la supervivencia de los adultos 50 días después de la emergencia. Estos resultados indican que es posible el uso de estos aislados para el control de B. carambolae, lo que sugiere la posibilidad de utilizar este modo de control biológico como otra alternativa para controlar esta plaga cuarentenaria.

Genetic structure and diversity in Brazilian populations of Anastrepha obliqua (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart), the West Indian fruit fly, is one of the most economically important pest species in the Neotropical region. It infests an extensive range of host plants that include over 60 species. The geographic range of A. obliqua is from northern Mexico to southern Brazil and includes the Caribbean Islands. Previous molecular studies have revealed significant genetic structure among populations. We used sequences from a fragment of the mitochondrial protein-coding gene cytochrome c oxidase I to estimate structure and genetic diversity of A. obliqua populations from Brazil. We analyzed a total of 153 specimens from the Amazon Forest, Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, and Caatinga biomes. Our study revealed weak genetic structure among the A. obliqua Brazilian populations sampled. Collections from the Amazon Forest had similar haplotype diversity compared to previously reported estimates for collections from the Caribbean and both populations are also closely related to each other, thus challenging the hypothesis that A. obliqua originated in the Caribbean and then moved to other regions of the Americas. Therefore, further evidence is necessary to draw a definite conclusion about the putative center of origin for A. obliqua. Additionally, we suggest a putative historical migration from the west to the east for the A. obliqua Brazilian populations, which could explain the high genetic diversity for this fly in the Amazon Forest and low genetic diversity in the other Brazilian biomes.

Pioneer tree species as fruit flies parasitoids reservoir in the Brazilian Amazon / Espécie de árvore pioneira como reservatório de parasitoides de moscas-das-frutas na Amazônia brasileira

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of the pioneer plant species Bellucia grossularioides (L.) Triana (Melastomataceae) to act as a reservoir for parasitoids of fruit flies in the Brazilian Amazon. We collected 48 samples of fruits (total of 4,012 fruits, 43.98 kg) during the months of July, August and September of 2013, in 15 of the 16 municipalities of Amapá State, Brazil. All samples showed infestation by fruit flies, with rates varying from 60.6 to 239.1 puparia/kg of fruit (mean of 106.8 puparia/kg of fruit). The percentage of emergence varied 18.6 to 64.3% (mean of 39.9%). Specimens of Anastrepha coronilli Carrejo & González (Diptera: Tephritidae) were obtained from all samples collected. Specimens of Neosilba (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) were obtained from five samples, where they were represented by Neosilba bella Strikis & Prado and Neosilba glaberrima (Wiedemann). The mean percentage of parasitism was 12.8%, varying 4.7 to 26.7%. Four species of parasitoids were obtained: Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti), Doryctobracon sp.2, Opius bellus Gahan (Braconidae) and Aganaspis pelleranoi (Brèthes) (Figitidae). Doryctobracon areolatus, present in all municipalities sampled, was the most abundant species. Considering that B. grossularioides is a plant species that is abundant in the area sampled, its relevance with respect to the maintenance of the population of parasitoids is discussed in the context of the integrated management of fruit flies in the Amazon.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial da espécie vegetal pioneira Bellucia grossularioides (L.) Triana (Melastomataceae) para atuar como reservatório de parasitoides de moscas-das-frutas na Amazônia brasileira. Foram realizadas coletas de 48 amostras de frutos (4.012 frutos, 43,98 kg) durante os meses de julho, agosto e setembro de 2013, em 15 dos 16 municípios do estado do Amapá, Brasil. Todas as amostras apresentaram infestação por dípteros, com índices que variaram de 60,6 a 239,1 pupários/kg de fruto (média de 106,8 pupários/kg de fruto). O percentual de emergência variou de 18,6% a 64,3% (média de 39,9%). Exemplares de Anastrepha coronilli Carrejo & González (Diptera: Tephritidae) foram obtidos de todas as amostras coletadas. Exemplares de Neosilba (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) foram obtidos de cinco amostras, sendo representadas por Neosilba bella Strikis & Prado e Neosilba glaberrima (Wiedemann). O percentual médio de parasitismo foi de 12,8%, variando de 4,7% a 26,7%. Quatro espécies de parasitoides foram obtidas: Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti), Doryctobracon sp.2, Opius bellus Gahan (Braconidae) e Aganaspis pelleranoi (Brèthes) (Figitidae). Doryctobracon areolatus, presente em todos os municípios amostrados, foi a espécie mais abundante. Considerando-se que B. grossularioides é uma espécie vegetal abundante na área amostrada, sua relevância quanto à manutenção da população de parasitoides é discutida no contexto do manejo integrado de moscas-das-frutas na Amazônia.

Effect of Resin Ducts and Sap Content on Infestation and Development of Immature Stages of Anastrepha obliqua and Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Four Mango (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae) Cultivars.

We determined the influence of resin ducts, sap content, and fruit physicochemical features of four mango cultivars (Criollo, Manila, Ataulfo, and Tommy Atkins) on their susceptibility to the attack of the two most pestiferous fruit fly species infesting mangoes in Mexico: Anastrepha ludens (Loew) and Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart). We performed three studies: 1) analysis of resin ducts in mango fruit exocarp to determine the density and area occupied by resin ducts in each mango cultivar, 2) assessment of mango physicochemical features including fruit sap content, and 3) a forced infestation trial under field conditions using enclosed fruit-bearing branches to expose mangoes to gravid A. ludens or A. obliqua females. Infestation rates, development time from egg to prepupae and pupae, pupal weight, and percent of adult emergence, were assessed. 'Ataulfo' and 'Tommy Atkins' cultivars exhibited the highest resin duct density and sap content, the lowest infestation rate, and had a negative effect on immature development and pupal weight. In sharp contrast, 'Manila' and 'Criollo' cultivars, with the lowest resin duct density and sap content, were highly susceptible to A. ludens and A. obliqua attack. We conclude that sap content and the number, size, and distribution of resin ducts as well as firmness in mango fruit exocarp are all involved in the resistance of mango to A. ludens and A. obliqua attack.

Anastrepha species (Diptera: Tephritidae), their hosts and parasitoids in the extreme north of Brazil / Espécies de Anastrepha (Diptera: Tephritidae), seus hospedeiros e parasitoides no extremo norte do Brasil

This work was carried out in five municipalities of the State of Roraima, Brazil, aiming to record the occurrence of Anastrepha species, their host plants and parasitoids. Fleshy fruits of 21 species of 10 families were sampled from September/2007 to September/2008. We collected 10 species of Anastrepha (Anastrepha bahiensis Lima and Anastrepha montei Lima were reported for the first time in Roraima) and five species of parasitoids (4 Braconidae and 1 Figitidae). Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti) was the most abundant parasitoid.

O presente trabalho foi realizado em cinco municípios do estado de Roraima, Brasil, com o objetivo de registrar a ocorrência de espécies de Anastrepha, suas plantas hospedeiras e parasitoides. Foram coletados frutos carnosos de 21 espécies pertencentes a 10 famílias botânicas de setembro/2007 a setembro/2008. Foram identificadas 10 espécies de Anastrepha (Anastrepha bahiensis Lima e Anastrepha montei Lima foram registradas pela primeira vez em Roraima) e cinco espécies de parasitoides (4 Braconidae e 1 Figitidae). Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti) foi o parasitoide mais abundante.