PHYTOPHAGOUS INSECTS ASSOCIATED WITH HELICONIA CROPS (Heliconia spp.) IN TABASCO, MEXICO

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective: To identify the species of insects that feed and damage plants of the genus Heliconia (Heliconiaceae) in commercial plantations in the state of Tabasco, Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach: From January to October 2013, three plantations located in the municipalities of Cardenas, Comalcalco and Teapa were visited biweekly to detect phytophagous insects.

Results: Four species of insects belonging to three orders and three families were identified: Cephaloleia sallei (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) associated with H. psittacorum, Cephaloleia vicina (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) associated with H. latisphata, Pentalonia sp. (Hemiptera: Aphididae) associated with H. latisphata, and Telchin atymnius futilis (Lepidoptera: Castniidae) associated with H. psittacorum, H. bihai and H. stricta.

Limitations/implications: Pentalonia sp. could not be registered at the species level. For this, a study is suggested that takes into account aphids of this genus also collected in banana plants (Musa spp.) and other hosts.

Findings/conclusions: Few species of insects were found feeding or damaging cultivated heliconias; however, these insects are considered to have the potential to affect the crop or the product intended for cut flowers.