Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. is an established biocontrol agent in laboratory, but studies have shown negative effects of temperature and Ultraviolet radiation on its potential in vitro. Nevertheless, there is a lack of studies about its endophytic colonization in vivo, especially in field conditions in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]. In this sense, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of B. bassiana applied to cowpea seed on the growth of the plants under laboratory and field conditions, and on their resistance to insect attack. Cowpea seeds were treated with suspension of 5 x 108 conidia/mL of B. bassiana. The plants were cultivated in two independent conditions (laboratory and field). The resistance to attack of the pest in field conditions was assessed by monitoring weekly the plants three times a week during 12 weeks, from the initial vegetative to the reproductive stage. According to the results, in laboratory conditions, there were significant differences among the inoculated and control plants for the variables of height of the plants (31.17 cm for treatment and 23.00 cm for control plants) and dry mass of the root (2.38 g for treatment and 0.97 g for control plants). In field conditions, the observed pest insects were miner fly [Liriomyza sp.] (Diptera: Agromyzidae), Cerotoma arcuata Olivier, 1791 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch, 1854) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and the polyphagous hemipteran [Crinocerus sanctus (Fabricius, 1775)] (Hemiptera: Coreidae). The treated plants were less affected than control plants by these pests, especially at the beginning of the vegetative phase.

Cassava crops hold high agricultural importance in Paraná State, Brazil. However, cassava root production is adversely impacted by pests. Aleyrodids, in particular, cause great damage to cassava fields, necessitating better knowledge of predators found in these agroecosystems and novel biological control strategies for integrated pest management. This study reports the first occurrence of the predatory lady beetle Delphastus argentinicus Nunenmacher, preying on all life stages of whiteflies in cassava fields. Given the economic and social importance of cassava crops in Brazil and the deleterious potential of aleyrodid species, it is recommended to conduct behavioral and bioecological studies assessing the application of D. argentinicus as a biocontrol agent in integrated pest management programs.

Some conservation units in Brazil border urban areas, like the Catolé and Fernão Velho Environmental Protection Area (EPA) in the State of Alagoas. In urban areas, there is the habit of cultivating plants for landscape purposes, and Syagrus coronata (Martius) Beccari (Arecaceae), “Licuri” or “Ouricuri”, is a palm tree commonly used in ornamentation; a native species from Caatinga and Atlantic Forest biomes widely explored through time. Some insects have part of their development associated with plants, and Pachymerus nucleorum Fabricius (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) has a close connection with some Arecaceae. Females usually lay eggs on the surface of fallen fruits and the immatures feed on the seed under the drupe endocarp; the larvae, even protected by the hard surface could be preyed by skilled parasitoid wasps. Here, the record of a tritrophic relationship between S. coronata, P. nucleorum, and a wasp of the genus Heterospilus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in an urbanized region of Alagoas, close to a remnant of Atlantic Forest of the Catolé and Fernão Velho EPA is communicated. Fruits were collected from the soil surface under the canopy of Licuri palms in the “Universidade Federal de Alagoas” A. C. Simões Campus and transported for laboratory monitoring. Either adults of Heterospilus parasitoid wasps and P. nucleorum beetles from some fruits were recorded. The specimens of S. coronata had seeds preyed upon by P. nucleorum close to a remnant of the Atlantic Forest. The record of a tritrophic relationship involving Heterospilus seems to indicate the tenacity of natural biological control.

Senecio brasiliensis (Spreng.) Less quando ingerido por bovinos e eqüinos causa uma séria intoxicação, a seneciose. Devido a significativa perda econômica para a pecuária é interessante o controle com uso de insetos. Através de coletas sistêmicas e contínuas na planta observou-se que Phaedon confinis Klug, causa sérios danos à planta apresentando grande potencial como biocontrolador. O objetivo foi ampliar a 52 plantas os testes de especificidade hospedeira com larvas de 1º instar e adultos do crisomelídeo. Os insetos foram submetidos aos testes “sem chance de escolha” e de “múltipla escolha”. Os seguintes resultados foram obtidos: “SEM CHANCE DE ESCOLHA” L1 - 52 plantas testadas: dano nulo 90,39%; exploratório 5,77%; fraco 1,92%; e normal apenas no S. brasiliensis 1,92%, onde 31,67% das larvas atingiram a fase adulta. “SEM CHANCE DE ESCOLHA” ADULTOS - 46 plantas testadas: em 82,60% o dano foi nulo; 13,04% exploratório; 2,17% fraco; 2,17% normal S. brasiliensis. O crisomelídeo ovipositou durante os dias de observação somente nas folhas de S. brasiliensis, 615 ovos com viabilidade de 73,01%. No teste “MÚLTIPLA ESCOLHA” LARVAS - Nove plantas testadas: 66,67% dano nulo; 11,11% fraco; 11,11% exploratório; e 11,11% normal S. brasiliensis. Os resultados indicam que a alimentação normal, oviposição, sobrevivência e desenvolvimento de P. confinis estão restritos ao S. brasiliensis e contribuem para confirmar o seu potencial como agente de biocontrole.Host Specificity Test of Phaedon confinis (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae), a Potential Biocontrol Agent of Senecio brasiliensis (Asteraceae)Abstract. Senecio brasiliensis (Spreng.) Less when ingested by cattle and horses, the plant causes seneciosis, a serious poisoning. Due to the great financial losses to cattle ranchers, controlling the plant using insects has become attractive. Systematic survey efforts have revealed that Phaedon confinis Klug causes serious damage to the plant, and may be a great biocontrol agent. The object was to extend the tests of host specificity to 52 plants using 1st larval instar and adult chrysomelid bettles. The insects were submitted to “no-choice” and “multiple-choice” tests. The following results were obtained: “NO-CHOICE” L1 – 52 plants tested: null 90.39%; negligible damage 5.77%; light 1.92%; and normal in only S. brasiliensis 1.92%, where 31.67% of larvae obtained an adult phase. “NO-CHOICE” ADULTS – 46 plants. Null damage was recorded in 82.60%; 13.04% showed negligible damage; 2.17% light; 2.17% normal in S. brasiliensis. The chysomelids oviposited during observation days only on S. brasiliensis leaves. 615 eggs were oviposited with 73.01% viability. “MULTIPLE CHOICE” LARVAE – nine plants tested. 66.67% null; 11.11% weak; 11.11% negligible damage; and 11.11% normal in S. brasiliensis. The results indicate that the normal diet, oviposition, survival and development of P. confinis is restricted to S. brasiliensis and corroborates its potential as a biocontrol agent.

Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar a mortalidade de Coccus viridis por Lecanicillium spp. em folhas e ramos de Coffea arabica. O trabalho foi realizado na casa de vegetação na Universidade Federal de Viçosa, entre fevereiro de 2005 a junho de 2006. Foram utilizadas sementes da variedade Catuaí vermelho de café (C. arabica). A solução nutritiva utilizada foi composta por 3,0 mmol/L de N, 9,0 mmol/L de K, 1,0 mmol/L de P, 4,0 mmol/L de Ca, 2,1 mmol/L de S, 46 µmol/L de B, 0,3 µmol/L de Cu, 60,0 µmol/L de Fe, 2,0 µmol/L de Mg, 0,5 µmol/L de Mo e 36,0 µmol/L de Mn. As cochonilhas e o fungo foram coletados de folhas de café em lavouras comerciais de Viçosa, MG e foram mantidos em gaiolas em Casa de Vegetação. As plantas foram infestadas com oito meses de idade. A infestação foi realizada por contato de C. viridis infectadas com o fungo sobre as cochonilhas sadias. As densidades de C. viridis viva e morta nas folhas e nos ramos foram avaliadas aos 0, 15, 30, 35, 45, 60 e 75 dias após a infestação. Usou-se análise de variância, teste de média de Skott-Knott e análise de regressão linear simples a p<0,05. O fungo Lecanicillium spp. causou mortalidade em todos os estádios de C. viridis. De forma geral, a maior mortalidade ocorreu no terceiro ínstar. Além disso, o fungo causou maior mortalidade nesse inseto praga na face abaxial da folha de café. Mortality of Coccus viridis (Hemiptera: Coccidae) by Lecanicillium spp. in differents Coffea arabica organs in greenhouseAbstract. The objective of this work was to evaluate the mortality of Coccus viridis by Lecanicillium spp. on faces of the leaves, and branches of Coffea arabica. This work was conducted in greenhouse at UFV. The experiment was carried out from February 2005 to June 2006. Seeds of the lineage IAC 15 from the variety “Catuaí Vermelho” coffee (C. arabica) were used. The nutritive solution utilized was composed for 3. 0 mmol/L of N, 9. 0 mmol/L of K, 1. 0 mmol/L of P, 4. 0 mmol/L of Ca, 2. 1 mmol/L of S, 46 µmol/L of B, 0. 3 µmol/L of Cu, 60. 0 µmol/L of Fe, 2. 0 µmol/L of Mg, 0. 5 µmol/L of Mo e 36. 0 µmol/L of Mn. The cochineals were collected from coffee leaves in commercial crops from Viçosa, MG. These cochineals were maintained into cages in the greenhouse. The fungus was obtained of infected cochineals coming into these cages. The plants were infected with eight months of age. For the preparation of the treatments was infested cochineals no infected by the Lecanicillium spp. The densities of dead and living C. viridis in leaves and branches were evaluated with 0, 15, 30, 35, 45, 60 e 75 days after of the infestation. Variance analysis and the averages compared with the Scott-Knott test and simple linear regression analysis. Lecanicillium spp. caused mortality in all C. viridis stages. Generally speaking, the high mortality occurred in the third instar. In addition, the fungi caused high mortality in this insect in the abaxial faces of C. arabica.

In the state of Acre, Brazil, family-based agriculture is predominant and although it has less economic impact in relation to large-scale plantations, it is also subject to biological imbalances, such as the attack of pests, generating economic losses for producers. Phytosanitary knowledge in the state is still incipient and becomes an obstacle to production, often resulting in mistaken management decisions. In this context, this work aimed to present a history of research carried out in the field of Agricultural Entomology, especially in the areas of integrated management and biological control of pests of the most relevant crops grown in the Acre state. In this review, 55 scientific papers related to Agricultural Entomology were presented, 23 on new insect records and/or new insect associations with host plants, 16 on insect control using plant extracts from the Amazon region, 13 on integrated pest management and three on bioecology and population dynamics of pests in the state of Acre. Through this review, it is observed that research in the area  of Agricultural Entomology in the state of Acre is characterized by basic research (surveys, registration of new species, bioecological and dynamic population studies). However, there has been a notable advance in scientific studies aimed at integrated pest management in the state in the past ten years. Still, there is a need to concentrate efforts on research aimed at prospecting and using Amazonian biodiversity (fauna and flora), which subsidize applied programs for integrated pest management of the main crops grown in the Acre state.

The coconut moth Atheloca subrufella Hulst (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is considered an important pest of coconut crops in Brazil, which is the fourth largest global coconut producer. Concerning the economic importance of this crop and aiming to increase the knowledge related to biological control, the present research aimed records the first occurrence of Venturia sp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) parasitizing A. subrufella caterpillars in the State of Sergipe, Brazil. Coconuts infested by A. subrufella caterpillars were collected in coconut plantation and kept in the Entomology Laboratory (Universidade Federal de Sergipe – UFS) until the emergence of A. subrufella adults or the parasitoids. The parasitoids obtained were identified as Venturia sp..Primeira ocorrência de Venturia sp. Parasitando a Traça-do-CoqueiroResumo. A traça-do-coqueiro Atheloca subrufella Hulst (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) é considerada uma importante praga da cultura do coqueiro no Brasil, o qual é o quarto maior produtor mundial de coco. Devido à importância econômica desta cultura e visando aumentar o conhecimento relacionado ao controle biológico, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo relatar a primeira ocorrência de Venturia sp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) parasitando lagartas de A. Subrufella no estado de Sergipe, Brasil. Cocos infestados por lagartas de A. subrufella foram coletados em plantações de coco e mantidos no laboratório de Entomologia (Universidade Federal de Sergipe – UFS) até a emergência de adultos de A. subrufella ou dos parasitoides. Os parasitoides obtidos foram identificados como Venturia sp..

Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (Linnaeus) e Culex (Culex) quinquefasciatus Say são importantes vetores de patógenos em áreas urbanas. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar diferentes formulados comerciais contendo Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis de Barjac, no controle de Ae. aegypti e Cx. quinquefasciatus, verificando sua eficiência perante a potencia declarada. Testou-se os produtos Aquabac® XT 1200 UTI/mg, Teknar® 3000AAU/mg e Vectobac® AS 1200 UTI/mg, formulados líquidos, e os sólidos Vectobac® WDG 3000 UTI/mg, Vectobac® T 2200 UTI/mg e o formulado experimental Biouel 500 UTI/mg. Todos os produtos foram testados a temperatura de 25±2°C e os líquidos também a 15±2°C, 35±2°C e temperatura ambiente (25,37 a 28,73ºC). Os testes foram realizados utilizando-se 25 larvas no início do 4º estádio, em 150 mL de água destilada, com leitura de mortalidade 24 horas após exposição. Resultados foram analisados através de Probit calculando-se a CL50. A 25±2°C, os produtos Vectobac WDG e Vectobac T foram os mais eficientes para Ae. aegypti, com CL50 respectivamente de 0,10 (0,08 – 0,11) mg/L e 0,10 (0,09 – 0,11 mg/L). Para Cx. quinquefasciatus, os mais eficientes foram Vectobac WDG, Vectobac AS, Biouel e Vectobac T. Tomando como referência a potencia declarada dos produtos, o Biouel teve, proporcionalmente, melhor desempenho para as duas espécies. Nas temperaturas de 15±2°C, 35±2°C e na temperatura ambiente (25,37 a 28,37°C), Vectobac AS foi o mais eficiente para as duas espécies de Culicidae testadas. Na temperatura ambiente a 35±2°C, necessitou-se de menor concentração dos produtos para controle de Cx. quinquefasciatus em relação à Ae. aegypti.Control of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti and Culex (Culex) quinquefasciatus Through Formulated Containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis at Controlled TemperaturesAbstract. Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (Linnaeus) and Culex (Culex) quinquefasciatus Say are important pathogen vectors in urban environments. This study was designed to evaluate commercial formulations containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis de Barjac for the control of Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus and to assess their efficiency as compared to manufacturers´ claims. The tested products were the liquid formulation of Aquabac® XT 1200 ITU/mg, Teknar® 3000AAU/mg, and Vectobac® AS 1200 ITU/mg, and the solid products Vectobac® WDG 3000 ITU/mg, Vectobac® Tablet 2200 ITU/mg, and the trial formulation of Biouel 500 ITU/mg. All products were tested at 25±2°C temperature and the liquid formulations were also tested at 15±2°C, 35±2°C, and at room temperature (25.37 to 28.73ºC). The experiments were conducted with 25 larvae at the early 4th stage, in 150 mL of distilled water; the dead larvae were counted 24 hours after product application. Results were analyzed using Probit to calculate CL50. The 25±2°C temperature, Vectobac WDG, and Vectobac Tablet were the most efficient in controlling Ae. aegypti, with CL50 of 0.10 (0.08 – 0.11) mg/L and 0.10 (0.09 – 0.11 mg/L), respectively. The most efficient products for Cx. quinquefasciatus were Vectobac WDG, Vectobac AS, Biouel, and Vectobac T. When the potency claimed by manufacturers was compared to our laboratory results, Biouel had the best performance for both species. Vectobac AS was the most efficient for both species of Culicidae tested at 15±2°C, 35±2°C and at room temperature (25.37 to 28.37°C). Lower product concentrations were required at 35±2°C room temperature to control Cx. quinquefasciatus than for Ae. aegypti.

A capacidade do parasitoide de localizar e parasitar o hospedeiro estão diretamente relacionados ao sucesso do controle biológico de pragas. Diante disso, o presente trabalho avaliou o efeito da idade de Cotesia flavipes Cameron na capacidade busca e no parasitismo em lagartas de Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) em condições de laboratório. Realizou-se uma liberação de 2000 parasitoides com 24 horas de idade. Foram colocados 40 internódios infestados artificialmente com a broca, na distância de cinco e dez metros, num total de 80 colmos por avaliação, durante seis dias. Constatou-se que no primeiro dia de liberação houve a maior porcentagem de parasitismo, diferindo apenas do quinto e sexto dia. Conclui-se que C. flavipes pode parasitar até 120 horas de vida em condições de laboratório e recomenda-se a liberação de indivíduos com 24 horas de vida por apresentarem maior percentual de parasitismo nessa idade.Ability to Quest and Parasitism of Cotesia flavipes Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) LarvaeAbstract. The ability of the parasitoid to locate and parasitize the host is directly related to the success of biological control of pests. The effect of Cotesia flavipes Cameron’s age on the ability to quest and parasitism larvae of Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) in laboratory conditions was evaluated. An amount of 2,000 adults (24 hours aged) was released. Fourteen sugarcane borer artificially infested internodes were 5 and 10 m placed apart each other, comprising eighteen stalks in each evaluation, during six days. The higher parasitism rate was observed in the first day after parasitoid release, with significant differences from the fifth day on. Therefore, C. flavipes is able to efficiently parasitize until its first 120 hours of life in laboratory conditions. It makes possible a recommendation of 24-hours aged parasitoid releases, that possibly will be more efficient in the sugarcane borer biological control.

Este trabalho analisou a variação no potencial das formigas como agentes anti-herbívoros em plantas de café (Coffea canephora Pierre) e guandu [Cajanus cajans (L.) Millsp]. Foram usados ovos artificiais, simulando a presença de insetos herbívoros, e solução de açúcar, para aumentar a atividade de formigas, em experimentos de campo. As plantas de café e de guandu possuíam diferentes níveis de atividade de formigas, pois as últimas eram atacadas por membracídeos que atraíam mais formigas. A atividade das formigas foi monitorada após aplicação de solução de açúcar e a remoção de ovos artificiais foi medida após 24 e 48 horas. A solução de açúcar aumentou significativamente a atividade de formigas em plantas de café e de guandu. A remoção dos ovos artificiais foi significativamente maior em ramos com formigas do que sem formigas para as plantas de guandu. A adição de solução de açúcar aumentou a remoção de ovos artificiais em plantas de guandu, mas não em plantas de café. O tratamento com solução de açúcar e a presença de membracídeos em guandu tiveram efeitos similares sobre a atividade de formigas. Este estudo mostrou que a aplicação de solução de açúcar pode ser utilizada para simular a presença de membracídeos sobre as plantas, aumentando a atividade de formigas. Isso permitiu a avaliação de seu potencial como agentes anti-herbívoros, através de experimentos que simulam a presença de insetos sobre as plantas.Potential of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) as Anti-herbivore Agents in Cultivation of the Coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre) and Pigeon Pea [Cajanus cajans (L.) Millsp] Abstract. This study analyzed the role of ants as anti-herbivore agents in Coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre) and Pigeon Pea [Cajanus cajans (L.) Millsp] plants in agroecosystem under organic management. In these plants we used artificial eggs and sugar solution in experiments that simulated the presence of herbivore insects. Coffee plants did not possess any natural attractive that could intensify foraging activity of ants, but pigeon pea plants were infested by treehoppers which attracted ants. Activity of ants was surveyed after sugar solution application and artificial eggs removal was measured 24 and 48 h after start of the experiments. Sugar solution sprinkled on plants foliage increased significantly the activity of ants on coffee and pigeon pea plants. The removal of artificial eggs was significantly greater in branch with ants than without ants for pigeon pea plants. The sugar solution addiction resulted in greater artificial eggs removal in pigeon pea plants, but not in coffee plants. The treatment with sugar solution and presence of treehoppers had similar effects on the activity of ants on the plants. This study showed that the application of sugar solution can be used to increase activity of ants on plants as well as the potential of ants as anti-herbivore agents can be evaluated in experiments that simulate the presence of insects on the plants.