Diversity of arthropods associated to Brachiaria spp. and damage indexes of insect-pests

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Nurys Valenciaga
C. A. Mora
C. García
Dayleni Fortes
Noda C. Noda

Abstract

A research was carried out in areas of Brachiaria spp., using a random block design, with five replications, in order to identify insect-pest associated to four varieties of Brachiaria: Brachiaria brizantha, Brachiaria brizantha cv. toledo, hybrid Brachiaria (Brachiaria
ruziziensis x Brachiaria brizantha) cv. mulato 1 and Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk, and evaluate damage indexes. Periodical random samplings were performed once a month for three years. A sample of 20 sweep/plot was taken and, according to the visual sampling, the damage caused by biting, chewing, sweep and sucking insects was determined. Results demonstrated superiority of Insecta
class, with six orders, eight families and 21 identified morpho-species, in contrast to Arachnida class. The levels of provoked damage did not surpass degree two of damage scale, so it is considered as light.
Basilisk variety showed less resistance to insect-pest attacks, although there was no economic damage. Species richness had a slight increase during rainy season (22), in contrast to dry season (20). Basilisk
variety showed the highest number of individuals during dry season (130) and during rainy period (193). Shannon index ranged between 2.38 and 2.65. There was no associated dominant species, according to the values (0.09 to 0.12). It can be concluded the arthropods associated to Brachiaria genus, Insecta class shows higher expression, with an increase during rainy season. However, without dominance among present species, phytophagous and bioregulators, during the seasons, these species manage to live in harmony, without provoking economic damages among varieties and cultivars under study. It is recommended to continue studies on arthropod population in other varieties of Brachiaria, with other crop management.

Key words: Brachiaria spp., insect-pest, damages, diversity

Article Details

How to Cite
Valenciaga, N., Mora, C. A., García, C., Fortes, D., & Noda, N. C. (2016). Diversity of arthropods associated to Brachiaria spp. and damage indexes of insect-pests. Cuban Journal of Agricultural Science, 49(4). Retrieved from https://www.cjascience.com/index.php/CJAS/article/view/502
Section
Pasture Science and other Crops

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