ARS | Publication request: A SURVEY OF ROOT-FEEDING PESTS ON TROPICAL FRUIT TREES IN PUERTO RICO

Submitted to: Caribbean Food Crops Society Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: July 11, 2006
Publication Date: July 11, 2006
Citation: Jenkins, D.A., Goenaga, R.J. 2006. A survey of root-feeding pests on tropical fruit trees in Puerto Rico [abstract]. Caribbean Food Crops Society Proceedings. p. 195.

Technical Abstract: From March 2003 to December 2005 traps were used to monitor the abundance of Diaprepes abbreviatus and Phyllophaga spp. adults emerging from the soil at the base of several exotic tropical fruit trees (Pouteria sapota, Manilkara zapota, Litchi chinensis, and Nephelium lappaceum) at three different sites on the island of Puerto Rico (Isabela, Adjuntas, and Corozal). Although there were no consistent differences in susceptibility among the varieties within any of the crop species, there were robustly significant differences between the number of both beetle species at the different sites and with regard to ¿preferences¿ of both beetles for certain crop species. Isabela had many more of both beetles than either Corozal or Adjuntas. At Isabela, Phyllophaga spp. were significantly more abundant in mamey sapote (Pouteria sapota) than in the other crops, though it was also abundant in sapodilla (Manilkara zapota). At Isabela, D. abbreviatus was significantly more abundant in litchi (Litchi chinensis) than in the other crops. Phyllophaga spp. were more abundant than D. abbreviatus at Isabela. Both D. abbreviatus and the Phyllophaga spp. emerged throughout the rainy season (April to October) with peaks of emergence at the beginning and end of the rainy season. These results are discussed in light of potential management programs exploiting unique aspects of these pests¿ life histories.